Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Agriculture

Agriculture

Massive

Surrounding area

Lake Xochimilco, located in the southern part of Mexico City, is a remnant of a vast lake system in the Valley of Mexico. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a critically endangered wetland ecosystem. The area is known for its canal systems, chinampas (ancient floating gardens), and endemic species like the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum. Urban expansion and pollution from surrounding settlements pose serious ecological threats. The climate is subtropical highland, with cool dry winters and warm wet summers.

Underwater landscape

The lake features shallow, slow-moving freshwater with soft silty or sandy substrate covered in leaf litter and organic debris. Submerged roots from shoreline plants and remnants of aquatic vegetation provide shelter. The water is usually clear but can become murky during rains. Native aquatic plants are minimal due to degradation, but historically included Hydrocotyle, Myriophyllum and Lemna species. Driftwood and submerged vegetation form the primary hiding spots for aquatic fauna like the Axolotl.

Amphibian list:

• Ambystoma mexicanum (Ambystomatidae)

Aquatic plant list:

• Elodea canadensis (Hydrocharitaceae)
• Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae)
• Potamogeton illinoensis (Potamogetonaceae)

Threats to ecology

Xochimilco faces extreme environmental pressure from urbanization, invasive species (like tilapia and carp), eutrophication, and water extraction. The endemic Axolotl is now critically endangered in the wild. Agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and loss of native vegetation further degrade water quality. Conservation efforts include captive breeding, ecological restoration of canals, and public education to preserve this unique habitat.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Few -

Bibliography

• → Oxford University Press - The Biology of the Amphibians by Griffiths, Richard A.
  ISBN 9780198540820
  
• → Illinois Natural History Survey - Natural History of the Axolotl by Brandon, Ronald A.
  
• → Scientific Monthly, Vol. 67, No. 1 - The Mexican Axolotl: A Quasihuman by Smith, H.M.
  
• → Biological Conservation, Elsevier - The consequences of human modification of the aquatic habitat on Axolotl by Zambrano, Luis et al.
  ISBN 9780080454054
  
• → Evolution, Vol. 45, No. 3 - The Evolution of the Mexican Axolotl by Shaffer, H.B., & McKnight, M.L.
  

Sitography

Comment by the expert