Proximal and underlying geoecological drivers of the current distribution of the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi): new evidence for habitat expansion

The distribution of the endemic endangered volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi) has been controversial. We aimed to answer 2 questions: What is the current distribution of the volcano rabbit? and What is the role of geological and biogeographical processes compared to ecological factors in explaining the presence or absence of this species? A geoecological analysis was carried out in areas where the presence or absence of the volcano rabbit was controversial. The method included circular sampling sites of 1,000 m2 with equidistance of 300 m on contour lines at every 100 m; environmental variables and vegetation attributes were measured, and evidence of the volcano rabbit was recorded by counting latrines in 300/m2 per site. Results revealed irrefutable evidence of the presence of the volcano rabbit on the Tláloc Volcano in the Sierra Nevada: a density of 0.047 latrines/m2 and a new distribution area of 1,537 ha were obtained. In contrast, the absence of this species on the Nevado de Toluca Volcano is here proven indisputably. Geological and biogeographical, ecological and human activities, all play a role explaining the presence of the volcano rabbit. Implications for its conservation are discussed in light of the habitat importance comprising other endemic sympatric species.