No, it`s never bad to own an axolotl as long as you`re a caring and responsible owner. If the laws of your country allow the keeping of axolotls as pets, you should definitely get one. AS: What makes axolotls special? What distinguishes them from other salamanders or amphibians? Some people say that axolotls look grotesque, but thanks to Pokemon, young readers are interested in them. They seem to find them cute. In some provinces of Canada, the possession of axolotls is completely prohibited. Not because they are endangered, but because they are pests. AS: Was it difficult for you to grow axolotls? What are the most important things you`ve learned to keep them? NS: It`s difficult because I have to maintain a certain temperature for them to survive. Water quality and temperature are the two most important things to consider when storing an axolotl. On the other hand, axolotls are not picky eaters, so feeding them is not a challenge. Although native axolotls are near-threatened species, the ban implies that captive axolotls differ behaviorally and genetically from native breeds. When I finally saw them here in the Philippines last year in 2012, I jumped at the chance to get one for myself.
The first two I had were a golden albino and a black melanoid. You can buy axolotls in pet stores or online. A remarkable feature of axolotls is their regenerative power. In the case of non-life-threatening injuries, they are able to regrow their limbs, tail, and even other parts of the body such as heart and eye tissue. 4) I did not pay attention to the differences in size between axolotls at different stages of life. They tried to cannibalize each other. Although axolotls are legal to keep in Mexico. It is forbidden to take them in nature.
Therefore, even in Mexico, it is better to get your adorable pet from a reputable breeder. Axolotls are illegal in some parts of Canada, not because they are endangered species, but because they are pests that pose a serious threat to native wildlife. Monaghan, James R, et al. The metamorphosis induced experimentally in axolotls reduces the rate of regeneration and fidelity. Regeneration (Oxford, England), vol. 1, no 1, pp. 2-14, 2014. doi:10.1002/reg2.8 In addition, at least ten non-native invasive fish species have been introduced into Lake Xochimilco.
These fish compete with axolotls for food and survival. NS: As I said, axolotls are ugly and sweet at the same time. Their most important feature is their ability to regenerate their limbs. A license may not be required to own an axolotl in a country. However, if you are exporting or importing an exotic pet such as an axolotl, you will need a permit to legally enter and leave the country. Axolotls are legal in most states. However, as they originate in Mexico and are threatened with extinction, the importation of axolotls from other states is illegal. In the wild, axolotls are found exclusively in the Xochimilco lake complex in Mexico, and their population is declining due to the loss of their natural habitat. The reason why many governments prohibit the possession of axolotls lies in the great environmental threat they pose if released into the wild. This is the case, for example, in California, where the eventual release of axolotls could cause serious damage to the environment. When released into the wild, axolotls have the potential to easily outperform already fighting native salamander species such as the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Californianse) and the Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum).
AS: Tell us about the rookie mistakes you made when you started keeping axolotls. These laws prohibit not only axolotls, but all species of the genus Ambystoma for their own good, including tiger salamanders and axolotls. Therefore, even in their country of origin, that is, Mexico, it is illegal to keep wild axololtls as pets. If you want to breed an axolotl, it is better to get it from a reputable breeder. NS: Caring for axolotls is like taking care of fish, as opposed to lizards. It`s really more like a simple aquarium. No need for special lighting or water circulation devices. Filtration is similar to that of aquariums. The water temperature should be kept below 25 degrees Celsius. In addition, axolotls with gravel in their tank, which is small enough to eat, are prone to gastrointestinal dressings. If your axolotl is obstructed, it will likely be slow and won`t want to eat.
And if it is not treated immediately, death can occur quickly. Another great way to buy axolotls is from reptile shows and exhibitions that take place occasionally, where axolotls are regularly checked and checked for the disease. However, you will need a permit to transport your exotic pet to and from Canada for import and export. Usually, a CITES license is required, which is expensive. However, this permit allows for the smooth import and export of axolotls to and from Canada. Also in some parts of Australia, the possession of axolotls is quite acceptable. However, in some states, such as Western Australia, it is strictly forbidden to keep salamanders as pets. In this way, you will prevent your axolotls from multiplying further and you will avoid the pain of mass euthanasia. It is unfortunate that not everyone is able to own axolotls.
However, the reason most governments prohibit the possession of axolotls is in the best interest of local ecosystems. For centuries, humans have destroyed ecosystems and driven animals to extinction. Precautions, such as limiting where axolotls can be stored, help slow down and prevent our collective damage to the world around us. After centuries of destruction of natural habitats, the least we can do is obey these laws and do what we can to ensure that trapped animals and plants are not released into the wild. Keep the tank in a cool room away from sunlight with a water temperature between 57 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (14 and 20 degrees Celsius); Do not let it exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). No special lighting is required for axolotls (unlike many reptiles). In fact, a dark hiding place, such as a flowerpot on the side or an aquarium lock, is often appreciated. AS: Does the care and diet of axolotls differ or do they resemble those of other lizards? What I like most about fan taxis is the customer support. They even help their customers personalize the shopping experience by providing them with live images and videos of axolotls. NS: They can`t be taken out of their tank.
Some Guardians may cause their axolotls to show affection by offering a finger to nibble on. It is safe because axolotls have no teeth. Overall, if you have an illegal pet, contact your local authorities and get legal advice before it`s too late. As many have noted, it is illegal to have axolotls as pets in some U.S. states and Canadian provinces, as well as in other parts of the world. In the United States, axolotls are illegal in California, Maine, New Jersey and Washington, while in New Mexico and Hawaii, a permit is required. In Canada, it is illegal to own axolotls in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, while in Nova Scotia, a permit is required. In Manitoba, axolotls are illegal in Winnipeg, but legal in the rest of the province.
While this can be frustrating for those who live in places where these prohibitions are implemented, it`s important to remember that these rules are in place for valid reasons. In addition to axolotls, there have already been countless cases when ancient pets have been released and established in local ecosystems, leading to unforeseen damage. Look no further than the state of Florida, where a new law was passed earlier this year to ban the possession of several reptile species that were considered high risk to local ecosystems. This ban was not directed against obscure animals, but against reptiles that were usually kept as pets, such as tegus, green iguanas and various species of pythons. For several years, Florida`s ecosystems have been invaded by many released pets, which have overtaken local animals to the point that some species are threatened with extinction. Animal Scene (AS): How do axolotls originate in the Philippines? Is it possible to obtain axolotls legally? Pet axolotls have been bred in captivity for decades, to the point that they are no longer identical to axolotls in the wild, both genetically and behaviorally. Captive axolotls have been crossed with tiger salamanders, their DNA has been optimized (the GFP gene is an example) and have been bred for many generations without natural selective powers, making them bred almost as a completely different species. This is one of the main reasons why the release of pet axolotls into Lake Xochimilco (their natural habitat) would not help prevent the extinction of wild axolotls. NS: That`s one of the reasons I decided to keep the axolotls.
Setting up a habitat is easier because it is purely aquatic. The outer fluffy gills are a special feature that makes them special among salamanders. If you think that prohibition laws only involve axolotls, think again! As pets, this is a very different story for axolotls. According to Smithsonian Magazine, millions of them thrive as pets around the world. Wild axolotls are listed as endangered species in the IUNC Conservation Index. This means that their number is decreasing more and more and they could disappear completely in the coming years.