Flying an amphibian flagship: conservation of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum through nature tourism at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico

Abstract

The effectiveness of flagship species as a conservation tool is controversial, and amphibians are not usually regarded as meeting the strategic criteria that flagships demand. Capitalizing on the historical, cultural and economic importance of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, a conservation programme for this species and its habitat was developed using the Axolotl as a flagship. The threats to the lake are complex and stem from the unsustainable use of its resources. The needs and livelihoods of local stakeholders must therefore be taken into account before attempting to address the threats. The programme therefore focused on developing nature tourism by training local boatmen (remeros) in environmental interpretation. Surveys showed that the boatmen increased their incomes and job satisfaction after training, and that the environmental interpretation programme improved relevant knowledge and awareness of visitors. Although ongoing threats mean that reintroduction of captive‐bred Axolotls is not appropriate, zoos with captive populations of Axolotls supported the programme regionally and internationally by providing publicity, funds, staff expertise, training support and themed educational activities. By raising both funds and awareness for the wider conservation of Lake Xochimilco, the Axolotl is probably the first amphibian flagship to be launched successfully.

Defining Flagship Uses is Critical for Flagship Selection: A Critique of the IUCN Climate Change Flagship Fleet

“…Finally, monitoring the impacts of a flagship after its promotion is vital (Bride et al 2008). Effectiveness can be appraised in terms of revenue generated through ecotourism, changes in levels of awareness and attitudes toward the species or issue, or willingness to take conservation actions.…”

“…In addition to IUCN's climate flagships, recent proposals for new flagship species include a species of frog in India (Agrawal 2004), the axolotl in Mexico (Bride et al 2008) and a chameleon in Madagascar (Gehring et al 2010). Despite the proliferation of flagships in conservation, their impacts on public attitudes and ability to deliver strategic conservation goals are rarely evaluated (Bride et al 2008). We argue that critical attention now needs to turn towards how flagships actually work, e.g.…”

“…The criteria, and their importance for each kind of use, were derived from published recommendations and case studies (key references: Western 1987;Kalland 1993;Ramono et al 1993;Entwistle 2000;Walpole and Leader-Williams 2002;Ball 2004;Blake and Hedges 2004;Hooker and Gerber 2004;Bride et al 2008;Caro 2010) …”

A comparison of understanding of the amphibian crisis by zoo visitors across three countries

“…For example, the Lion Tamarin ( Leontopithecus rosalia ) recovery project was implemented in Brazil in 1983 (Dietz, Dietz, & Nagagata, ) to address specific knowledge gaps within the local communities, prompting scientists to work more closely with the public (Engels & Jacobson, ). Another successful campaign is exemplified in the conservation of the axolotl ( Ambystoma mexicanum ) in Mexico, where environmental interpretation programs improved knowledge and awareness of visitors (Bride, Griffiths, Meléndez‐Herrada, & McKay, ). There is evidence that animals kept in zoos can act as ambassadors for their species in the wild, encouraging stakeholder interest to support conservation and enhancing public knowledge about conservation around the world (Conway, ; Hutchins, ; Reid et al, ).…”

Amphibians and conservation breeding programmes: do all threatened amphibians belong on the ark?

“…In Mexico, the species has been utilised as a food source, associated as a twin of the Aztec God Quetzalcoatl and has been an inspiration for philosophers and writers (Valiente et al 2010). The first amphibian flagship conservation programme was successfully launched, in part, due to the cultural significance of the species (Bride et al 2008). Andrias japonicus is celebrated during the annual Hanzaki festival (B Tapley, pers.…”