do mexican salamanders usually inhabitated in the lakes and canals of mexico

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), also known as the "Mexican salamander" or "Mexican walking fish," is a unique amphibian native to Mexico. It is noteworthy for its unusual life cycle and characteristics, but it does not typically inhabit lakes and canals in the conventional sense. Here's why: 1. **Unique Habitat Requirements:** Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they retain their larval features into adulthood. They are usually found in freshwater environments such as shallow lakes with slow-moving water, canals, and springs. However, they require specific conditions like cold, clean, oxygen-rich water, which have become increasingly rare due to pollution and habitat destruction. 2. **Endemic to Xochimilco:** In the wild, the axolotl is endemic to the canals, lakes, and wetlands of Xochimilco in Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its floating gardens. The axolotl lives in the waters connected to these canals, which are man-made and part of the ancient Aztec chinampas agricultural system. 3. **Not Common in Traditional Lakes:** While they can be found in aquatic environments, they typically do not inhabit traditional lakes in the way you might think of a lake. Instead, they require a very specific set of environmental conditions that are no longer as common due to urbanization and pollution. 4. **Conservation Status:** The wild population of axolotls faces a significant risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting for food and the pet trade. As such, many axolotls in existence today are bred in captivity for research and conservation purposes. Remember, while the axolotl has adapted to life in human-altered environments like Xochimilco's canals, its future survival depends on our efforts to protect and conserve its natural habitats.