Conservation

Primarily due to habitat loss, the axolotl is Critically Endangered. Lake Chalco, one of their native bodies of water, was fully drained among other Mexican great lakes to prevent floods. Today, they only occur naturally in Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City, which has been fragmented into canal systems and has experienced high levels of pollution as a result of urbanisation and tourism. Invasive fish species in these waters further outcompete axolotls for what little resources remain. While the axolotl is very common in the pet trade, this population is believed to be fully captive bred, and collection for the wildlife trade is no longer a pressure on wild axolotls. In recent years, through ongoing habitat restoration efforts and ecotourism initiatives, the water quality of Lake Xochimilco has improved. Until their habitat is free of invasive species and at a healthy level again, reintroductions of axolotls won’t be possible, despite the large and healthy captive stock in the pet trade and in research facilities.

The Javan green magpie is Critically Endangered, primarily threatened by illegal trapping and habitat loss. Once widespread, it has been reduced to as few as 50 wild individuals in just four protected areas. Its striking appearance has made it highly sought after in Southeast Asia’s illegal songbird trade. Additionally, deforestation fragments its habitat, making it increasingly difficult for the species to survive in the wild. Concerted conservation efforts are in place to save this bird from extinction. The EAZA focuses on rescuing individuals from the illegal trade and managing captive populations to ensure the species' survival. Many zoos successfully breed Javan green magpies to ensure a healthy insurance population. The Javan green magpie was the face of the ‘Silent Forest’ campaign in European zoos, raising awareness for the songbird trade crisis. In-situ, habitat surveys and monitoring programmes identify viable habitats to guide future strategies, and rehabilitate rescued birds. These combined efforts aim to protect the remaining wild populations and establish a sustainable future for the Javan green magpie.

The gharial is Critically Endangered and locally extinct in much of its former range. The dramatic collapse in numbers has been caused by the increase in river pollution reducing the amount of fish in the water, as well as by sand-mining destroying sandbanks that are essential for egg-laying females and basking. Unregulated fishing and accidental entanglement in fishing nets further threaten the species, while the fragmentation of river systems by dams and irrigation projects restricts their natural movement and breeding opportunities. Conservation actions focus on habitat protection, community engagement, and captive breeding and releases. Protected river stretches offer safe nesting grounds, with more being made viable by river restoration initiatives, and conservation organisations work with local communities to reduce fishing-related mortality. While thousands of hatchlings have been bred and released since the 1970s, reintroductions alone have not significantly helped in re-establishing the populations while other factors were not addressed. Their current population trend is positive thanks to the combined and ongoing efforts.