 Ambystoma mexicanum , an aquatic salamander , is a species protected under the Mexican UMA ( Unit for Management and conservation of wildlife ) as of April 1994 . However , there are a number of factors that work against their preservation and conservation methods . The most profound factors are that the waters in which they are endemic are severely polluted and that even if they were found in the wild again they would be fished up for either research or exotic animal sells on the black market . Another detrimental factor is that the axolotl lost their role as a top predator since the introduction of locally exotic species such as Nile tilapia and carp . Tilapia and carp directly compete with axolotls by consuming their eggs , larvae , and juveniles . Climate change has also immensely affected axolotls and their populations throughout the southern Mexico area . Due to its proximity to Mexico City , officials are currently working on programs at Lake Xochimilco to bring in tourism and educate the local population on the restoration of the natural habitat of these creatures . This proximity is a large factor that has impacted the survival of the axolotl , as the city has expanded to take over the Xochimilco region in order to make use of its resources for water and provision and sewage . However , the axolotl has the benefit of being raised in farms for the purpose of research facilities . So there is still a chance that they may be able to return to their natural habitat . The recent decline in population has substantially impacted genetic diversity among populations of axolotl , making it difficult to further progress scientifically . It is important to note that although there is a level of limited genetic diversity due to Ambystoma populations , such as the axolotl , being paedeomorphic species , it does not account for the overall lack of diversity . There is evidence that points towards a historical bottlenecking of Ambystoma that contributes to the variation issues . Unfortunately , there is no large genetic pool for the species to pull from unlike in historical times.Thus there is severe concern for inbreeding due to lack of gene flow . One way researchers are looking into maintaining genetic diversity within the population is via cryopreservation of the spermatophores from the male axolotl . It is a safe and non @-@ invasive method that requires the collection of the spermatophores and places them into a deep freeze for preservation . Most importantly , they have found that there in only limited damage done to the spermatophores upon thawing and thus it is a viable option . As of 2013 , it is a method that is being used to save not only the axolotl but also numerous other members of the salamander family . 
