1. Conservation
When it comes to exotic pets, animal sourcing is a complex topic. From a conservation standpoint, most of the exotic pet trade is legal. However, illegal smuggling and collection has intensified due to increasing demand for rare and unusual species, compromising conservation efforts and profiting criminal gangs worldwide. Wild populations of some exotic pet species are being rapidly depleted, and the animals themselves can endure stressful, inhumane conditions while being smuggled to their destination.
Naturally occurring in just two lakes in southern Mexico City, axolotls are a critically endangered species for many reasons, including the pet trade. Demand boomed as consumers were drawn to their big eyes and smiling expression. They can be captive bred easily and legally, and legitimate breeding facilities exist. One helpful indicator of a captive bred axolotl is that it has a white or pink color, instead of the dark brown coloration found in the wild.
It is important to obtain an exotic pet legally and directly from a reputable rescue center, breeder, or supplier. They should be able to show where their animals come from and follow best practices for the species they sell, including making sure they only sell live exotic pets to people who know how to care for them.
2. Legality
Exotic pet ownership and the regulations and laws involved aren’t entirely straightforward. In the US, endangered species and those animals that are a risk to human, environmental, or agricultural health are regulated at the federal level. However, exotic pet ownership is also regulated at the state, county, or city level. Many of these regulations are in place for either conservation, public, or environmental safety purposes. It is important to know and follow the relevant laws at the federal, state, and city level.
Axolotls are a protected species in Mexico, and there are international regulations to ensure trade is not detrimental to wild populations. It is illegal to import and export axolotls internationally if they are taken from the wild. In some US states, legally-sourced, captive-bred axolotl ownership is prohibited or requires a permit due to the risk that they could become an invasive species if released.
3. Public health
Whether it is the potential to spread zoonotic diseases or cause physical harm to people from biting, scratching, or venom, all pets pose some risk to human health. Knowing the source of an animal, disease risks specific to the species, their behaviors, and welfare requirements helps reduce the risks.
Axolotls don’t pose a major risk to people when it comes to our health. Like all exotic animals, they can still spread zoonotic diseases, but generally ones that are easily avoidable and treatable, such as salmonella. And they don’t have physical attributes that could harm a person.
4. Invasiveness
The exotic pet trade is one of the leading causes of the spread of invasive species, which is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and sometimes massive economic impacts from damage to agriculture and fisheries.
The introduction of invasive species into the axolotl's small native home range has also led to their decline in the wild. On the flip side, there is always the risk that if pet axolotls are released into a habitat similar to their native home, they could cause major ecological damage, like out-competing native salamanders.
Should you no longer be able to keep your pet, contact your local rescue center, responsible pet store, accredited zoo, veterinarian, or other trusted home to find someone that can take it in. Do not post your animal for sale online and never release them into the wild.
5. Welfare
Some exotic pets require a very specialized environment and care that most households can’t provide. Exotic pet needs and animal welfare considerations include diet and nutrition, housing and environment, veterinary care, social needs, mental stimulation, and exercise in order to provide them with a good quality of life.
If axolotls make you smile, don’t you want to make them happy too? They might always appear to be smiling, but axolotl dietary and water quality needs are very hard to meet in captivity and they are generally not recommended as pets for this reason. Additionally, axolotls and all amphibians should not be handled as it causes stress and can disturb their protective layer, which prevents bacteria from entering and impacting their health. If you are looking for a pet you can cuddle, and one that has lower maintenance needs and costs, this is not the one for you.
