When male and female axolotls are in close proximity the result is a lot of baby axolotls, Wellingtonians are finding out.
The Capital's axolotl population boom – and the rising number of these unusual amphibians turning up at animal charities – is due to the hit video game Minecraft, says Danni Mokomoko from Wellington Amphibian and Reptile Rescue.
"[Axolotls were] recently introduced to the game [in 2021] and kids love them. And I think parents may see them as an easy pet but realistically they're not," he tells Nathan Rarere.
Photo: San Jantina / via Wellington Amphibian and Reptile Rescue
Although they are endangered in the wild – due to deforestation of their natural habitat in Mexico – there are plenty of axolotls in captivity, i.e. living as pets, around the world, Danni says.
The problem is they are quite difficult to care for because of their dietary and water requirements.
Axolotls eat mostly worms – not contrary to popular belief, meat and chicken – so feeding them can be tricky.
They also have quite strict water temperature requirements of between 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.
That said, axolotls are hardy in some ways, Danni says. They can regrow limbs and live up to 25 years.
Although they may be able to survive in the wild here in New Zealand, the species wouldn't do well enough in our conditions to establish a colony, Danni says.
Last week the Wellington Amphibian and Reptile Rescue had 15 young axolotls in need of a home.
