Even though there is a supply of captive-bred axolotls, wild ones are still being caught and sold illegally for human consumption, medicinal uses, and pets.
Even though there is a supply of captive-bred axolotls, wild animals are still being captured and sold illegally in local markets. This trade is very difficult to police. Wild harvest of axolotls is small, but not necessarily, in relation to population size. There is a local illegal trade in wild-caught axolotls for human consumption, medicinal uses, and pets.
It is assumed that all international pet trade is now in captive-bred animals. The harvesting is targeted at animals that are less than one year old.
Sources: (Bagnara, Armstrong, & Malacinski, 1989; Brunst, January 1955; Griffiths, Bride, et al., 2004; Majchrzak, 2004; McKay, 2003; Zambrano, et al., 2010)
Image: Josh More
