Volcano Rabbit: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Rabbits and Hares · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. When danger comes, the volcano rabbit gives high-pitched calls to warn its group. Pikas do this too, but no other rabbit does.
2. It is one of the smallest rabbits on Earth: an adult weighs only 386 to 602 g.
3. True to its name, it lives on the slopes of four volcanoes near Mexico City, usually between 3,150 and 3,400 m high.
4. In a volcano rabbit group, the females are in charge. Males never act aggressively toward females.
5. Young volcano rabbits have a tiny visible tail. As they grow up, it ends up hidden under the skin.

The quiz

1. What does the volcano rabbit do when it senses danger?

• Thumps the ground with its back feet
• Gives high-pitched warning calls (correct)
• Climbs into a tree
• Plays dead

It warns its group with high-pitched calls, like a pika.

2. How much does an adult volcano rabbit weigh?

• About 5 kg
• About 2 kg
• About 50 g
• From 386 to 602 g (correct)

It ranks among the tiniest rabbits anywhere, weighing 386 to 602 g.

3. Where does the volcano rabbit live?

• On volcano slopes near Mexico City (correct)
• On islands in the Pacific
• In deserts of Africa
• In rainforests of Brazil

It lives around four volcanoes just southeast of Mexico City.

4. Who is dominant in a volcano rabbit group?

• The oldest male
• The youngest rabbit
• The females (correct)
• Nobody, they never meet

In groups, only the females are dominant.

5. What happens to the volcano rabbit's tail as it grows up?

• It turns white
• It becomes hidden under the skin (correct)
• It grows very long
• It becomes fluffy like a pompom

The tail is only visible in young rabbits and ends up under the skin.

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