Creating refuges for the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Published source details Valiente E., Tovar A., Gonzalez H., Eslava-Sandoval D. & Zambrano L. (2010) Creating refuges for the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Ecological Restoration, 28, 257-259.
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Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Create walls or barriers to exclude pollutants Action Link
	Exclude fish with barriers Action Link
	Engage landowners and other volunteers to manage land for amphibians Action Link

Create walls or barriers to exclude pollutants

A controlled study in 2009 of canals within agricultural land in Xochimilco, Mexico (Valiente et al. 2010) found that installing filters to improve water quality and exclude competitive fish increased weight gain in axolotls Ambystoma mexicanum. Only four of 12 previously marked axolotls were recaptured; however, their weight had increased by 16%. Weight gain was greater than that of axolotls in control colonies over the same period. After four months, water was significantly lower in ammonia (77%), nitrates (87%) and turbidity (15%) compared to control canals. Working with farmers in 2009, a canal used as a refuge by axolotls was isolated from the main system using filters made of wood to exclude fish and improve water quality. Farmers benefited from improved farm products with the improved water quality and the protection of traditional agriculture.
Exclude fish with barriers

A controlled study in 2009 of a canal within agricultural land in Xochimilco, Mexico (Valiente et al. 2010) found that filters to exclude competitive fish and improve water quality resulted in increased weight gain in axolotls Ambystoma mexicanum. Only four of 12 previously marked axolotls were recaptured; however, their weight had increased by 16%. Weight gain was greater than that of axolotls in control colonies over the same period. Farmers traditionally created canals linking lakes and wetlands. Working with farmers in 2009, one canal used as a refuge by axolotls was isolated from the main system using filters made of wood to exclude fish and improve water quality.
Engage landowners and other volunteers to manage land for amphibians

A controlled study in 2009 of axolotls Ambystoma mexicanum in canals through agricultural land in Xochimilco, Mexico (Valiente et al. 2010) found that filters to improve water quality and exclude competitive fish installed with participation of landowners resulted in increased weight gain of axolotls. Only four of 12 previously marked axolotls were recaptured; however, their weight had increased by 16%. Weight gain was greater than that of axolotls in control colonies over the same period. Farmers benefited from better-quality farm products as a result of improved water quality and from the protection of traditional agricultural practices. In 2009, with participation from farmers, a canal used as a refuge by axolotls was isolated from the main system using filters made of wood. Filters excluded fish and improved water quality.