No, Mexican salamanders, including species like the axolotl, cannot survive without water during their entire lifetime. Water plays a crucial role in various aspects of their life cycle:
Development: Salamanders start as aquatic larvae that require water to grow and develop.
Respiration: Their permeable skin allows them to breathe and excrete waste through it, but this process requires a moist environment to function properly.
Hydration: Salamanders need external water sources or a damp environment to stay hydrated, as they cannot rely solely on food for their water needs.
Reproduction: Salamanders usually return to water to breed and lay their eggs, which must be in a watery environment to develop.
Habitat: Many salamanders prefer damp habitats, such as marshes, ponds, or damp forests, where they can find moisture and suitable hiding spots.
While certain salamander species can tolerate drier conditions than others, complete absence of water would still be detrimental to their survival. They may survive for a short period without water, but it is not sustainable for their entire lifetime.