New Records of the Endangered Tehuantepec Jackrabbit (Lepus Flavigularis) From Oaxaca, Mexico

Lorenzo, Consuelo; Cervantes, Fernando A.; Barragán, Felipe; Vargas, J. G. Palacios

doi:10.1894/0038-4909(2006)51[116:nrotet]2.0.co;2

Cited by 14 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…This coincides with the information available for this species, which places it in zones dominated by open grasslands (Cervantes 1993;Vargas 2000;Lorenzo et al 2006), or savannas that are associations of natural grasslands with isolated morro trees (Crescentia alata), or isolated patches of nanche trees (Byrsonima crassifolia) typical of flat or slightly inclined areas (Farías 2004;Sántiz et al 2012). Unfortunately, the vegetation inhabited by the jackrabbit is strongly threatened by agriculture (e.g., crops of sorghum and maize) and livestock production, activities that have led to the degradation and reduction of the natural vegetation, and that cause the disappearance of the original pristine grasses and modify the plant species composition, as reported in other regions of the country (Anderson 2006;CONABIO 2006;Rzedowski 2006;Estrada-Castillón et al 2010).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

“…Therefore, it is important to determine the implications of climate change for these species, using the Tehuantepec jackrabbit Lepus flavigularis, as a case study. This species is endangered according to NOM-ECOL-059 (SEMARNAT 2010), and Red List (IUCN 2012), is endemic to the south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and has a very restricted distribution (Cervantes 1993;Lorenzo et al 2000;Lorenzo et al 2006;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010). This jackrabbit inhabits savannas and introduced grasslands (Farías 2004;Lorenzo et al 2006;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010;Sántiz et al 2012), and feeds mainly on grasses (66.7 %; Lorenzo et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This species is endangered according to NOM-ECOL-059 (SEMARNAT 2010), and Red List (IUCN 2012), is endemic to the south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and has a very restricted distribution (Cervantes 1993;Lorenzo et al 2000;Lorenzo et al 2006;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010). This jackrabbit inhabits savannas and introduced grasslands (Farías 2004;Lorenzo et al 2006;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010;Sántiz et al 2012), and feeds mainly on grasses (66.7 %; Lorenzo et al 2011). The major current threats to this species are loss and fragmentation of its habitat and poaching (Lorenzo et al 2006;Cervantes et al 2008;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010;Rioja et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This jackrabbit inhabits savannas and introduced grasslands (Farías 2004;Lorenzo et al 2006;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010;Sántiz et al 2012), and feeds mainly on grasses (66.7 %; Lorenzo et al 2011). The major current threats to this species are loss and fragmentation of its habitat and poaching (Lorenzo et al 2006;Cervantes et al 2008;Carrillo-Reyes et al 2010;Rioja et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of a Critically Threatened Specie

Sántiz¹,

Lorenzo²,

Carrillo-Reyes³

et al. 2016

Therya

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Climate change (CC) is modifying the habitat and distribution of wild fauna, causing distribution area reduction and/or altitudinal or latitudinal movements of species in response to increased temperatures and changes in precipitation. This increases the risk of species extinction, particularly for those with small population sizes, habitat specialists, microendemics and/or those with already restricted distributions. We examine how the effects of CC could influence the distribution and availability of habitat for the critically threatened and endemic species: the Tehuantepec jackrabbit (Lepus flavigularis) as well as the species of grasses on which it feeds. Our models were constructed using Maxent. Occurrence data of jackrabbits and grasses from the years 1959 to 2014 were analyzed, along with climatic and slope variables for three time periods, present (2014) and future (2050 and 2070). The climatic variables were taken from WorldClim (resolution: 30"), utilizing the HadGEM2-ES model with scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. Potential distribution models estimate an area of 9,274 ha of habitat suitable for the jackrabbit in 2014, with a 19.3% increment in this area to 11,071 ha by 2070 with scenario 4.5 and 9% increment with an area of 10,111 ha by 2070 with scenario 8.5. According to a Jackknife analysis, Precipitation of Wettest Month (BIO13), and Precipitation of Warmest Quarter (BIO18) are the variables that contribute most to the construction of the potential distribution models of L. flavigularis, from 2014 to 2070. Future scenarios (4.5 and 8.5) estimate temperature increase and precipitation reduction in places where jackrabbits and grasses currently inhabit. Also, these scenarios estimate an increase in areas with suitable climatic conditions in the future. However, anthropogenic factors (not considered in this study) have influenced the distribution and retention of the populations of L. flavigularis in the study area, so the outlook of the species is not encouraging. It is clear that CC will have an effect on the distribution of this critically threatened and endemic species, through modification of the area and distribution of its available habitat.El cambio climático (CC) y sus consecuencias sobre las variables climáticas (temperatura, precipitación) pueden poner en mayor riesgo la supervivencia de especies en categoría de amenaza, distribución restringida y/o endémica. Determinamos cómo los efectos del CC influyen sobre la distribución y disponibilidad de hábitat de una especie críticamente amenazada y endémica, la liebre de Tehuantepec, Lepus flavigularis y de las especies de pastos de las que se alimenta. Los modelos fueron elaborados con el programa Maxent, se analizaron datos de ocurrencia de la liebre y de los pastos del año 1959 al 2014, con variables climáticas y pendiente en tres periodos de tiempo, presente (2014) y futuro (2050 y 2070). Las variables climáticas fueron tomadas de WorldClim (resolución: 30"), del modelo HadGEM2-ES para los escenarios 4.5 y 8.5. Los modelos de distribución potencial es...

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of a Critically Threatened Specie

Sántiz¹,

Lorenzo²,

Carrillo-Reyes³

et al. 2016

Therya

Self Cite

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“…The Tehuantepec jackrabbit, Lepus flavigularis (Wagner, 1844), is a endemic species to Oaxaca, México, whose distribution has been reduced to only four isolated populations with less than 1 000 individuals; so that has been listed as an endangered species (Lorenzo, Cervantes, Barragán, & Vargas, 2006;Smith, 2008;IUCN 2015;Lorenzo, Rioja-Paradela, & Carrillo-Reyes, 2015). Previous studies have reported low population density, polygamous and non-territorial habits, as well as a large home range that depends on the availability of resources and varies significantly between sexes: from 1.13 ha to 152.61 ha in females and from 0.20 ha to 71.87 ha in males (Farías et al, 2006;Lorenzo, Rioja, Carrillo, & Cervantes, 2008;Carrillo-Reyes, Lorenzo, Naranjo, Pando, & Rioja, 2010).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Variation and genetic structure of the endangered Lepus flavigularis (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

Salazar

Lorenzo

Medinilla

et al. 2017

RBT

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Lepus flavigularis, is an endemic and endangered species, with only four populations inhabiting Oaxaca, México: Montecillo Santa Cruz, Aguachil, San Francisco del Mar Viejo and Santa María del Mar. Nevertheless, human activities like poaching and land use changes, and the low genetic diversity detected with mitochondrial DNA and allozymes in previous studies, have supported the urgent need of management strategies for this species, and suggest the definition of management units. For this, it is necessary to study the genetic structure with nuclear genes, due to their inheritance and high polymorphism, therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the variation and genetic structure of L. flavigularis using nuclear microsatellites. We sampled four populations of L. flavigularis and a total of 67 jackrabbits were captured by night sampling during the period of 2001 to 2006. We obtained the genomic DNA by the phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol method. To obtain the diversity and genetic structure, seven microsatellites were amplified using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); the amplifications were visualized through electrophoresis with 10 % polyacrylamide gels, dyed with ethidium bromide. Genetic diversity was determined using the software GenAlEx v. 6.4, and genetic structure was obtained with ARLEQUIN v. 3.1; null alleles were evaluated using the program Micro-Checker v.2.2.2. Additionally, a Bayesian analysis was performed with software STRUCTURE v. 2.2.3., and the isolation by distance (IBD) was studied using the program PASSAGE v.2.0.11.6. Our results showed that the genetic variation found was low (HO = 0.30, HE = 0.24) when compared to other jackrabbit species. Fixed alleles and moderate levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.18, P = 0.001) were detected among populations, indicating the effect of the genetic drift and limited gene flow. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed two groups: (1) jackrabbits from Montecillo Santa Cruz, and (2) individuals living in Aguachil, San Francisco del Mar Viejo and Santa María del Mar. No evidence was found of isolation by distance. It is possible that the geographic barriers present between populations (e.g. lagoons, human settlements), rather than the geographical distance between them, may explain the observed genetic structure. The inbreeding coefficient was negative (FIS = -0.27, P = 0.03), indicating genetic sub-structure in populations. We suggest two management units based on the genetically closer populations, which will help define precise conservation actions in L. flavigularis. This research is the basis for defining translocation of individuals between populations, nevertheless, a more extensive future study, with specific molecular markers for L. flavigularis, is required. In addition, it is necessary to analyze the barriers that limit the gene flow, since it is urgent to reduce the genetic differentiation between populations and increase the genetic diversity of this species.

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Native vegetation structure and persistence of endangered Tehuantepec jackrabbits in a neotropical savanna in Oaxaca, México

Farias

Fuller

2009

Biodivers Conserv

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Because of its crucial importance for the persistence of the endangered Tehuantepec jackrabbit (Lepus Xavigularis), we identiWed structural characteristics of native vegetation (1) selected by Tehuantepec jackrabbits to establish home ranges, (2) used within home ranges, and (3) in relation to activity and inactivity periods. A neotropical savanna in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México, oVered diversity in native Xora and heterogeneity in vegetation structure to the studied population of Tehuantepec jackrabbit. Adults and juveniles diVered in habitat use patterns. No eVect on habitat selection was detected for sex or season. Jackrabbits established home ranges on grassy habitat with discontinuous overstory of nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia) shrubbery and morro (Crescentia) trees. Adults underused dense vegetation where predators may ambush them; juveniles avoided dense vegetation and grassland without overstory. Within adults' home ranges, habitat selection favoring grassy habitats with nanche and morro was relatively stronger during the activity period (nocturnal and crepuscular hours) and during one of 2 years which had more rainfall. Scattered trees and open shrubbery likely allowed foraging jackrabbits with both visibility and escape routes used to detect and outrun predators. Moreover, during the inactivity period (diurnal hours) adults and juveniles favored nanche shrubbery that provided resting jackrabbits with shelter to hide from predators. Clearly, structure and diversity of native vegetation in the savanna needs to be preserved for conservation of Tehuantepec jackrabbits because deteriorated habitat may pose higher predation rates for a jackrabbit population in risk of extirpation.

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New Records of the Endangered Tehuantepec Jackrabbit (Lepus Flavigularis) From Oaxaca, Mexico

Cited by 14 publications

References 3 publications

Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of a Critically Threatened Specie

Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of a Critically Threatened Specie

Variation and genetic structure of the endangered Lepus flavigularis (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

Native vegetation structure and persistence of endangered Tehuantepec jackrabbits in a neotropical savanna in Oaxaca, México

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