UNEP-WCMC - Volcano Rabbit

GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD Volcano Rabbits are found only on the slopes of four volcanoes in central Mexico: Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl (Sierra Nevada), and El Pelado and Tlaloc (Sierra Chichinautzin) (Fa & Bell, 1990).

CURRENT POPULATION No reliable estimates.

SIZE Head and body length 27 and 32cm.

WEIGHT Adult weight around 500g.

AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Unknown. A wild caught male was held for over 2 years at Jersey Zoo, UK (Lindsay, 1982).

NORMAL DIET Feeding habits are largely unknown. Rabbits have been reported feeding on the young leaves of zacaton grasses.

NORMAL LIFESTYLE Lives in small groups of between two and five animals.

PREVIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD The species is thought to be extinct on the eastern slopes of Iztaccihuatl.

REASONS FOR DECLINE Habitat loss and hunting have caused the decline of this local species.

CURRENT THREATS The loss of the forest/zacaton habitat through forest fires, overgrazing by cattle and sheep, encroachment by agriculture and property developments, over-exploitation of pine for timber and grasses for thatch and brush manufacture (Fa & Bell, 1990). Nearly all forest fires are started by people, these often originate from uncontrolled burning of zacaton to promote new growth of pasture for cattle and sheep.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS The IUCN/SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group have created an Action plan for this rabbit (Fa & Bell, 1990). The plan focuses upon the need to manage the burning and overgrazing of the zacaton habitats and to enforce laws prohibiting the capture, sale and hunting of the animal. Studies are recommended into the geographical range, habitat relationships, population dynamics and life history (Fa & Bell, 1990). In addition, habitat restoration and the establishment of zacaton corridors to link core areas of habitat are needed. Captive breeding colonies exist at Jersey Zoo, UK and Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico City (Olney & Ellis, 1993).

SPECIAL FEATURES The Volcano Rabbit appears to be resistant to some of the diseases affecting domestic rabbits (Cervantes, 1990).

REFERENCES

Cervantes, F.A. 1990. Notes on the Viral Haemorrhagic Disease of Rabbits in Mexico. Lagomorph Newsletter. 11.

Fa, J.E. & Bell, D.J. 1990. The Volcano Rabbit Romerolagus diazi. In: Chapman, J.A. and Flux, J.E.C. 1990. Rabbits, Hares and Pikas: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland. pp: 143-146.

Lindsay, N.B.D. 1982. A Second Report on the Management and Breeding of the Volcano Rabbit Romerolagus diazi at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Dodo: Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. 19. pp: 46-51.

Olney, P.J.S. & Ellis, P. (eds.) 1993. 1992 International Zoo Yearbook. Volume 32. Zoological Society of London: London, U.K.

Nowak, R.M. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World. 5th ed. Vol.1. John Hopkins University Press, London. pp.546-549.

Sauter, C. 1990. Social Behaviour of the Volcano Rabbit (Romerolagos diazi) in the Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico City. Lagomorph Newsletter. 12.

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