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The Volcano Rabbit (''Romerolagus diazi'') is a small Rabbit that resides in the mountains of Mexico . It is the world's second smallest rabbit, second only to the Pygmy Rabbit . It has small rounded ears, short legs, and short, thick fur. Volcano Rabbits live in groups of 2 - 5 animals in burrows. Unlike many species of rabbits, the Volcano Rabbit utters very high-pitched sounds instead of thumping its feet on the ground to warn other rabbits of danger. It is Nocturnal and is highly active during twilight, dawn and all times in between. The Volcano Rabbit weights approximately 390 - 600 g (0.86 - 1.3 lb). As of 1969, there were 1000 - 1200 in the wild. HABITAT The Volcano Rabbit lives in Mexico. The rabbit has been pushed into areas on the slopes of the Iztaccíhuatl , Pelado, Popocatepetl , and Tlaloc Volcano es. The Volcano Rabbit is generally found between elevations of 2800 m and 4250 m in Pine forests with a dense undergrowth of Bunch Grass and rocky terrain. It is also found in secondary Alder forests. Most of the areas where the rabbit is found have winter drought and summer rains with an average annual precipitation of about 1500 mm. In its burrows it maintains a system of runways in the tussocks of grass it inhabits. The volcanic sierras on which this rabbit is found form part of a feature called the transverse neovolcanic axis. DIET The Volcano Rabbit feeds on green leaves in zacaton grasses, the undeveloped leaves of spiny herbs and the bark of alder trees. During the rainy season, it will also eat oats and corn from crops. REASONS FOR DECLINE The most serious threats to the Volcano Rabbit are habitat degradation and target shooting. A variety of factors appear to be responsible for the continued degradation of the rabbit's habitat. These include Forest Fire s, overgrazing by cattle and sheep, encroachment by development (both from the expansion of Mexico City as well as additional rural settlements near the rabbit's core habitat) and agriculture, over-exploitation of timber and cutting of zacaton grasses for thatch and brush manufacture. HABITAT MANAGEMENT The IUCN/SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group has 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). REFERENCES McCollum, Austin. "Volcano Rabbit." Endangered Species of the World. April 13, 2006: 50-51. |
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