Mexican Axolotls are only found in Lake Xochimilco. Fewer than 1,200 Mexican axolotls remain today because the lake is drained to provide water for nearby Mexico City. The leading causes of Axolotl decline are human development, waste water disposal, and loss of habitat due to droughts. Despite their prevalence in the aquarium trade, these species are critically endangered in the wild. It has also suffered from the introduction of invasive species like carp and tilapia, which eat the axolotls. Additionally, roasted axolotl is also considered a delicacy in Mexico (illegal collection for food and medicines).

The axolotl has been bred in captivity very successfully both in Mexico and elsewhere. However, reintroduction to Lake Xochimilco will not be a realistic option until the threats facing the species have been addressed. Xochimilco was declared a biological reserve by the Mexican government in 1984, but these issues are more prevalent recently than ever before. It wasn't even until 2009 that the axolotl population was thought to have decreased by 90%. In 2015, they were even thought extinct in the wild for a short time. Increased conservation and policing efforts for this lake and the axolotl need to be introduced and maintained. This needs to be done quickly. Prevention is possible, resurrection is not.