Nevado de Toluca: habitat for Romerolagus diazi?

O Monroy–Vilchis,G A González–Desales,A R Endara–Agramont,M M Zarco–González,A A Luna–Gil

doi:10.32800/abc.2020.43.0115

O Monroy–Vilchis, G A González–Desales + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2020.43.0115

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Abstract

The volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi), also known as teporingo or zacatuche, is a small rabbit that is endemic to Mexico. In this study we characterized its potential habitat in the Area of Protection of Flora, and Fauna Nevado de Toluca, Mexico. Between April 2016 and November 2017, we sampled 1,807 units to determine the presence of this species using indirect evidence. We found dung pellets that could be attributed to R. diazi in 41 (2.27 %) of the sampled units. In 10 % of these units, we set up camera traps to confirm the presence of the species. Sites with presumed R. diazi pellets were characterised by rocky terrain, with Pinus hartwegii as the dominant tree species, and Festuca tolucensis as the dominant grass. Overall herbaceous cover was over 70 %. Sites observed to have a negative effect on the presence of the pellets were areas with livestock grazing and induced burning. The results of camera trapping did not reveal the presence of R. diazi in Nevado de Toluca.

Highlights

The diversity of hares and rabbits (Order Lagomorpha, Family Leporidae) is high in Mexico, with 15 species
We found pellets traditionally attributable to R. diazi in 41 SUs (2.27 %), 36 of which were in Pinus spp. forest and 29 in zones with varying density of pine forest
Seven dominant tree species were recorded in these areas: Pinus hartwegii, Alnus jorullensis, Cupressus lusitanica, Abies religiosa, Pinus montezumae, Pinus patula and Pinus pseudostrobus

Summary

Introduction

The diversity of hares and rabbits (Order Lagomorpha, Family Leporidae) is high in Mexico, with 15 species. The volcano rabbit, (Romerolagus diazi Ferrari–Pérez 1893), known as zacatuche or teporingo, is a small, monospecific rabbit found only in the mountains around the southern part of Mexico City. It lives in small groups in runways among grass tussocks, typical of its distribution area. The volcano rabbit is considered endangered (SEMARNAT, 2010; IUCN, 2017) It is threatened by the loss and fragmentation of its habitat (Hoth et al, 1987; Velázquez et al, 2011), introduced species (dogs and cats), hunting, and more recently, climate change (López et al, 1996; Anderson et al, 2009). The main causes for the loss of habitat are anthropogenic fires, livestock grazing, and logging (López et al, 1996)

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