Volcano Rabbit
Romerolagus diazi – The volcano rabbit is one of the world’s rarest mammals, yet it lives within a short distance of one of the world’s most densely populated human settlements: Mexico City. The high ground overlooking the Valley of Mexico is studded with volcanoes, some more active than others. The lower southern slopes of the valley are dominated by natural forests of pine and alder, with a dense understory of scrub. At higher altitudes these forests give way to tussocky “zacaton” grassland made up of bunch grasses such as Epicampes and Festuca species. The volcano rabbit, or zacatuche, lives at the treeline, where the forests meet the zacaton. The volcano rabbit has been rare for as long as records have been kept; whether the low numbers are due to natural causes or centuries of persecution is not certain. However, the rabbit’s specialized habitat requirements suggest that it has never been widespread.
The zacaton habitat is unique to this part of Mexico and is itself at risk. Volcano rabbits are smaller than their more familiar cousins, but in other respects have much in common with them. For example, volcano rabbits are great diggers and, like their relatives, will also develop a network of overground runways that crisscross through the dense grass. The most important similarity from a conservation point of view, however, is the volcano rabbit’s relationship with local farmers-the animal is just as unpopular in Mexico as North American cottontails and European rabbits are with farming communities in their ranges. Under normal circumstances the rabbits feed mainly on the new shoots of wild grasses, but the temptation of cultivated oats and corn is too much to resist; given the chance, they will readily take advantage of the bountiful food supply.
A Change of Image
Local people have long regarded the volcano rabbit as a pest, and their attempts to eradicate it have very nearly succeeded. The rabbits have never been hunted for meat, but farmers have seen them as pests and shot them indiscriminately. They were also used for target practice by quail hunters. Grazing cattle compete with the rabbits for food, and their trampling feet alter the nature of the grasslands. The rabbits dig out their burrows and nests at the foot of big tussocks of grass. After heavy grazing these tussocks disappear, leaving the rabbits without shelter. The grasses are also harvested for thatch, becoming too closely cropped to offer cover from predators. Swathes of forest have been cleared, bringing settlements right up to the rabbits’ habitat. The volcano rabbits are now protected in several ways.
The area where they live is designated national park. Hunting the rabbits is strictly illegal, although it undoubtedly still happens. The close proximity of Mexico City and the dramatic local scenery mean that the area is increasingly popular with tourists. The presence of tourists may help reduce incidences of illegal shooting. However, the increase in human traffic also brings a growing risk of forest fires. Before ecotourism projects can be set up, much remains to be done to encourage local people to respect a creature they currently view as vermin. There are volcano rabbits in captivity. The British naturalist Gerald Durrell was one of the first to recognize the plight of the species; in the mid 1960s he established a small colony at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, where the animals bred successfully for several years. Today volcano rabbit colonies are doing well in Mexico City Zoo and at other conservation centers in Mexico. Volcano rabbits look like smaller, slightly dumpier versions of their cousins, the North American cottontail and European rabbits, but their ears are noticeably smaller, and they have no powder ruff tail.
Statistics: Volcano rabbit (zacatuche, teporingo)
Romerolagus diazi
- Family: Leporidae
- World population: About 1,000-1,200 (1964 estimate)
- Distribution: Volcanic rim of the Valley of Mexico, near Mexico City
- Habitat: Tussock grass on volcanic basalt at the edges of pine forests; found at altitudes of 9,200-14,000 ft (2,800-4,250 m)
- Size: Length: 11-14 in (27-36 cm). Weight: 0.8-1.3 lb (390-600 g)
- Form: Small and compact, with small ears and virtually no tail
- Breeding: Between 1 and 4 furry young born after gestation of 5-6 weeks at any time of year (with peak births in March-July); weaned at 3 weeks
- Related endangered species: Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi); hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus); several other rabbit and hare species
- Diet: Young zacaton grasses and leaves of other low-growing plants; bark from alder trees; some crops, including oats and corn
This is a really interesting animal