MAN-MADE AND ECOLOGICAL HABITAT FRAGMENTATION - STUDY CASE OF THE VOLCANO RABBIT (ROMEROLAGUS-DIAZI)

Abstract

Documented the fragmentation of the habitat of the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi). Two different processes of fragmentation are illustrated, namely

man-made and ecological. Man-made fragmentation has occurred through splitting the original distribution range into islands by highway construction, farming, and intensive burning and grazing activities. The ecological fragmentation is due to environmental discontinuity, which is reflected in a mosaic of vegetational communities or habitats. The ecological amplitude of the habitat types has been analyzed by canonical correlation analysis. Six habitat types were distinguished. Habitat type 2, open pine woodland (Pinus hartwegii-Festuca tolucensis) habitat type 3 mixed alder pine forest (Alnus firmifolia-Muhlenbergia macroura) and habitat type 4, pine forest (Pinus spp. Muhlenbergia quadridentata) provide most of the suitable ecological conditions for the survival of the volcano rabbit. The two processes of fragmentation habitat are threatening the survival of this endangered Mexican lagomorph. These two habitat fragmentation processes are discussed in light of their role in conservation and management.