New field records document the survival of the Altamira jackrabbit (Lepus altamirae)

Abstract

Lepus altamirae is a little-known jackrabbit from northeastern México.  Its taxonomic validity was recently reestablished and the absence of its field records was noted.  It was recently rediscovered, but its geographic distribution is unknown, and it is uncertain whether it survives in its type locality.  This study aims to confirm its presence in its type locality and encourage their study.  We searched for jackrabbits on roads and trails using a car and by walking in natural and disturbed areas in and around Altamira (June - August 2020).  We noted visual records of jackrabbits encountered and sought permission from falconers who encountered incidentally to use their capture data according to recommendations for using wild mammals in research.  We confirmed identification with specialized references.  We did not find jackrabbits at the type locality, whose habitat is already degraded, but we visually recorded specimens near Altamira.  We also found additional records of L. altamirae in the scientific literature and in a citizen science portal that show previously unknown occurrence localities in different geographic directions from the type locality, including the state of Veracruz.  Lepus altamirae no longer exists in its type locality, where the level of urbanization has increased.  However, it is known to occur in areas that increase its previously known geographic distribution.  It is necessary to encourage their study to propose appropriate measures for its conservation, as well as to promote the inclusion of its name in the lists of Mexican mammals.