Future of the axolotl???

[lvaldezr]

Im new to this forum. I was really interested in getting some axolotls, but I'm applying to med school in california and also the work load I don't know if Ill be able to take car of them. So I decided to wait. I was just thinking since they are almost instinct in nature do you guys think that axolotls will still be available from breeders in a couple of years? Thanks for your guys help.

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

I believe they will be, personally. From experience Ive found axolotls are actually easier to get hold of now then they were 5-10 years ago not to mention much cheaper. This is just in my area though, it could be completely different varying around the world. I've also found breeding in captivity can be vast and experienced breeders can raise hundreds of them from larvae to juvenile successfully.

 

[Kaysie]

Axolotls are nearly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss. They are extremely prevalent in the pet trade, and are in absolutely no danger of becoming extinct in captivity. They will be around as pets for many many years.

For you, the point is moot, however, as axolotls are illegal to possess in the state of California.

 

[lvaldezr]

Thanks for your responses.

 

[xcoregamerskill]

From the reading that I've been doing it seems that the gene pool is somewhat limited, and many seem to be inbred (especially those from pet stores). IM wondering if there are any collaborations between breeders (both hobbyists and professionals), to Increase the gene pool.

 

[Ghost1]

The "axolotls" in captivity have been inbred and selectively bred to the point where they are no longer "axolotls" in my opinion.

 

[xcoregamerskill]

The "axolotls" in captivity have been inbred and selectively bred to the point where they are no longer "axolotls" in my opinion.

I'd like to know what you mean by that. In nature there were only two known habitable lakes, so I'm wondering how large the initial gene pool was, and how often they may have cross-bred with other salamanders.