The Valiant Volcano Rabbit
The volcano rabbit, also known as the teporingo or zacatuche (Romerolagus diazi) is a species of rabbit found only on the slopes of four volcanoes in southern Mexico: Cerro Tláloc, Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and El Pelado. They can be found at altitudes between 2,800 to 4,250 meters (9,190 to 13,940 ft), which can often be quite cold and recieve little annual rainfall. The zacatuche's habitat is characterized by dense scrubland and pine forests.
R. diazi is one of the smallest rabbits in the world. Adults weigh between 386 to 602 g (0.851 to 1.327 lb) and reach up to 31.1 centimeters (12.2 in) in length. Females are slightly larger than males. To cope with the cold, they have thick fur; typically grey, dark brown or black to blend in with the black soil in their environment. They have a vestigial tail which is completely hidden in adults.
Little is known about the social behavior or mating systems of volcano rabbits, and most of what is known is from studies of captive animals. They are usually seen in groups of 2-5, and within these groups there is usually one dominant female and a number of subordinate females and males. They reside in burrows connected by a series of tunnels. Unusually for rabbits, they are somewhat vocal, emmitting a series of high-pitched squeaks to warn other members of the group when a threat is nearby.
Grass nests are built in April or May, but mating can occur year-round. Typically only the dominant female and male in a group copulate. After mating, females gestate a litter of up to 3 pups for 39 to 41 days. As many as five litters can be produced per year. The young are weaned when they are about 28 days old, and reach full maturity at 185 days old.
Like most rabbits, Zacatuche feeds mainly on grass, as well as young shrubs and bark. They are not a particularly fast species, and so rely on camoflague in dense vegetation to hide from predators such as weasels, bobcats, coyotes, and birds of prey.
Conservation status: The IUCN has classified the volcano rabbit as Endangered. The species is heavily threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss due to agricultural and urban development and climate change. It has already been declared locally extinct at a fifth volcano Nevado de Toluca.
Photos
Annabelle Watts
Juan Ramos
