AMERICAN - BRANCH OF THE WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

The volcano rabbit, Romerolagus diazi, is the official logo of the AB-WRSA.  This logo (left) originates from an ancient work of sculptural art from the Aztec civilization in Mexico.  Once abundant in the pine forest range along the rims of the volcanic mountains of Ixtacihuatl and Popocatepetl, this indigenous rabbit (right) was traditionally hunted for its savored meat and sold live (typically in hand-woven baskets) in the open marketplace prior to the Spanish conquest.   The Aztecs were well familiar with this "New World" species of rabbit - centuries before the introduction of the European or "Old World", domesticated rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).  Unfortunately, the volcano rabbit (also known as the Mexican pygmy rabbit) is classified as an endangered species, due largely to habit loss and overhunting, although present conservation efforts strive to reverse this trend.

It has been reported that the volcano rabbit may be genetically resistant to Viral Hemorrhagic Disease.  If true, using molecular genetic techniques, it will someday be possible to infuse the unique resistance genes into early embryonic cells from other rabbit species to confer permanent resistance; but, if the species becomes lost ... so does these genes!  To be more aware of ongoing rabbit genetic conservation programs in Europe and in the Mediterranean regions, visit two excellent web sites by clicking on the underlined region names.  (Above right photo by - F.A. Cervantes-Reza, courtesy of Mammal Slide Library, American Society of Mammalogists.)

A list of web sites with fascinating information about the volcano rabbit:

• Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan
• Animal Information - Rare, Threatened and Endangered (USA)
• World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UK)