No, owning an axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in Brazil is prohibited under federal environmental law, as the species is classified as invasive by IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis). The 2023 Normative Instruction 01/2023 explicitly bans its possession, breeding, and trade, aligning with Brazil’s 2026 biodiversity compliance framework to prevent ecological disruption.
Key Regulations for Owning an Axolotl in Brazil
- Federal Ban: IBAMA’s Normative Instruction 01/2023 lists axolotls under the Lista de Espécies Exóticas Invasoras, criminalizing ownership under Law 9.605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Act).
- State-Level Enforcement: Environmental agencies (e.g., CETESB in São Paulo) conduct inspections, with penalties up to R$50,000 for violations.
- 2026 Compliance Deadline: By 2026, all existing axolotls must be surrendered to IBAMA-approved facilities or euthanized under supervised protocols.
Violations trigger administrative fines, confiscation, or criminal charges under Article 29 of Law 9.605/1998. Exemptions require prior IBAMA approval, typically reserved for research institutions with containment certifications.