Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Leporidae
- Genus
- Lepus
Habitat
This species is endemic to the Tehuantepec region in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, primarily inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields at elevations up to 500 meters. They prefer open areas with sparse vegetation for easy movement and visibility, avoiding dense forests. Human-modified landscapes like pastures are also commonly used.
Diet
The Tehuantepec jackrabbit feeds mainly on grasses, herbs, and leaves, with a preference for green vegetation during the wet season. They are nocturnal foragers, emerging at dusk to graze and consuming crops like maize when available in agricultural areas. This feeding behavior helps them avoid daytime heat and predators.
Behavior
Tehuantepec jackrabbits are primarily solitary and nocturnal, spending days in shallow scrapes or under vegetation to avoid predators. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scat and using high-speed runs up to 60 km/h to escape threats. During breeding season, males may engage in chases to compete for females.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from agriculture and urbanization. Major threats include hunting and roadkill, making conservation efforts critical in their limited range.