Thesis subject

MSc thesis topic: Teporingo (Romerolagus  diazi) habitat connectivity at landscape level

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, hosting circa 12% of the current known species in it. Several of them are native to its territory (endemic) and thus important ecologically and culturally ( SEMARTNAT, 2018). Such is the case for the volcano rabbit, in Mexico most commonly known as “teporingo”or “zacatuche”.

Its habitat expands mostly through the Mexican volcanic belt. Specifically in the Sierra Chichinautzin and Sierra Nevada including Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes (Luna-Gil et al., 2025). Given the zacatuches high level of habitat specificity, the mapping of its presence and prevalence is of importances for native Mexican landscapes. Considered as an umbrella species it is conservation symbol for the Mexican basin, which results in conservation efforts by the Mexican government (SEMARNAT, 2018). Studies ranging from the 80’s (Hoth et al., 1987) and until recently (Luna-Gil et al., 2025) have outlined their habitat loss and redistribution. Some of the main threats for the species extinction being the habitat loss and fragmentation due to landcover change dynamics, urbanization, habitat pollution and climate change (SEMARNAT, 2018).

Background

The teporingo has been classified as in danger of extinction by since by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in its last assessment in 2018, and while there are several conservation efforts in place like the institution of natural protected areas. Nowadays, “teporingo” sightings have only been confirmed in the Chichinautzin-Ajusco and Sierra Nevada areas (as seen in Figure 1).

Figure 1 Source: SEMARNAT 2018 page 20. Shows the current and potential distribution of the teporingo in Mexico
Figure 1 Source: SEMARNAT 2018 page 20. Shows the current and potential distribution of the teporingo in Mexico

Historically however, the areas shown in Figure 1 where one. This research aims to find possible paths to connect current habitat areas at a landscape level, identifying key (new potential) conservation areas which can connect the existing zones where teporingos can be found.

Objectives and Research questions

Research questions are to be discussed with supervisors. Some possible directions are:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of the current techniques used to assess landscape connectivity?
  • What are the remaining connectivity paths for the Teporingo within the volcanic regions of central Mexico?
  • How can the Teporingos habitats be improved within the existing land use of the volcanic regions of central México?
  • Simulate scenarios of proposed conservation measures that will impact this improvement

Requirements

  • Student has followed GRS20806: Geotools

Literature and information

Theme(s): Modelling & visualisation