subject: The Volcano Rabbit [print this page] The Volcano Rabbit The Volcano Rabbit
The Volcano Rabbit
The volcano rabbit is one of the most restricted species in Mexico. It is found only in the central part of the Mexican transvolcanic belt. Unfortunately it is currently endangered and as of 1969, there were 1000 to 1200 in the wild.
Habitat:
Volcano rabbits are found between 2800-4200 meters above sea level which is quite high, in a special a place called the "zacatones", that is, pine forests with an understory of dense bunch grasses.
Appearance:
Volcano rabbits have short and thick coats. They have a yellowish and black fur at the back and sides while the base of their ears is buff coloured, and their underside is light buff with grey under-fur. They also have very short ears and a vestigial tail. Their total length is between 275 and 357mm. Not huge as rabbits go, it is in fact the world's second smallest rabbit, second only to the Pygmy Rabbit.
Reproduction
Volcano rabbits probably breed throughout the year with a peak during the warm, rainy mexican summer. Gestation lasts only 38-40 days; their litter size ranges from 1-3 bunnies. Newborn volcano rabbits are completely covered in fur, but with closed eyes and they remain in their nest for around 14 days whereas they begin to eat solid food and move about only after three weeks.
Behaviour and habits:
Volcano rabbits live in burrows in small groups of only 2 to 5 individuals. They are herbivorous as they eat the tender green leaves of grasses. They also eat young leaves of different herbs and the bark from alder trees.
