DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION-SIZE OF ROMEROLAGUS-DIAZI ON EL-PELADO VOLCANO, MEXICO

Abstract

Distribution and population size of the volcano rabbit or zacatuche (Romerolagus diazi) were investigated at El Pelado volcano, one of the four remaining core distribution areas left in Mexico. Latrines or fecal pellets were counted at 342 randomly selected sampling sites between 1986 and 1989. Rabbits also were censused directly from horseback along 29 line transects in October 1988. There was a significant correlation between the mean number of latrines and mean number of rabbits sighted within each of four categories of abundance. Spatial distribution was mapped based on these categories of abundance. Mean size of populations of volcano rabbit was estimated at 6,488 individuals (range of 2,478-12,120). The lower value (2,478) should be used for conservation efforts. Most volcano rabbits occurred at 3,150-3,400 m elev., mainly in the upper and middle southern slopes.