[Animals] This is the teporingo, the Mexican rabbit of the volcanoes

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On the slopes of some of the volcanoes in central Mexico lives the teporingo, a small endemic rabbit threatened by urbanization.
Isolated in the volcanic areas of central Mexico is the teporingo, one of the great representatives of the fauna of this country. It lives in burrows and feeds mainly on plants. This mammal is in serious danger of extinction due to excessive urban growth. Despite this, the little animal continues to survive in a habitat that is getting smaller and smaller.

Teporingo, the Mexican rabbit of the volcanoes
Also known as zacatuche, the volcano rabbit is a lagomorph mammal of the Leporidae family. It lives in forests and grasslands in central Mexico, at heights above 2,800 meters.

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The origin of its name is not well defined, however, it is thought that it comes from the word tepolito, which means "he of the rocks". On the other hand, zacatuche, the other way of calling it, is a derivation of Nahuatl that refers to "rabbit of the grasslands". The latter in honor of the habitat of this rabbit.

The teporingo is a very distinctive animal due to its physical characteristics. It is one of the smallest rabbits in the world. Its size ranges between 27 and 30 centimeters. It can be easily identified due to its tiny, rounded ears. His tail is barely noticeable.

The habitat is no less peculiar. As mentioned, this rabbit lives in central Mexico, specifically in the Neovolcanic Axis. It has been recorded on the slopes of the Pelado, Tlaloc, Popocatépetl, and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. In addition, the teporingo can be found in the mountains of some mayor's offices in Mexico City. Similarly, traces of the animal have been searched for in the Nevado de Toluca.

Regarding its diet, the volcano rabbit has a favoritism for a type of grass called zacatón. But, also, it usually eats other varieties of foliage. The grass, on the other hand, beyond fulfilling its nutritional role, serves the small mammal as a hiding place from its predators.

The human being: the growing threat
The coyote, the gray fox, the rattlesnake, the northern cacomixtle, the weasel, the shrew and the lynx are the main predators of the volcano rabbit. However, the greatest threat to this small mammal is humans — due to urban growth that consumes its natural habitat.

Currently, the teporingo is considered by the IUCN as an animal in danger of extinction. This is, as already mentioned, a product of human activities, mainly. The animal can be found, in small numbers, in the mentioned areas.

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Hunting these animals is illegal. This has been one of the measures that the government has taken in favor of the protection of the volcano rabbit. The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) constantly monitors the areas where the mammal is supposed to be found. There are also brigades in Milpa Alta that carry out the same activity. All in order to preserve the species.

Preservation of the teporingo goes beyond survival. Its role in the food chain is essential, since it acts in its favor by dispersing seeds. This fact is key in the growth of plants that help maintain the ecological balance.

Keep reading:

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/asi-es-el-teporingo-el-conejo-mexicano-de-los-volcanes/