We assessed the current distributions for 2 subspecies of the brush rabbit, Sylvilagus bachmani peninsularis and S. b. exiguus, on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. On the basis of field sampling, field notes, and voucher specimens in scientific collections, we demonstrated that (1) both subspecies have been previously recorded in mesic habitats with conditions associated with oases and streams; (2) the 2 subspecies exhibit disjunction in their distributions in the middle and southern portions of the peninsula; (3) habitats are threatened by human activities and desertification, which explains why brush rabbit populations are currently fragmented; and (4) specimens of S. bachmani have not been collected or observed in the last 20 years, with effort concentrated mainly in the southernmost part of the peninsula (San Lucas faunal district). We suggest that S. b. exiguus be considered threatened, requiring immediate conservation actions, including habitat preservation; and we suggest that the southern form, S. b. peninsularis, be considered extinct due to anthropogenic activities.

We report the status of alien species on Isla de Cedros, Mexico, and analyze the information from different years that together with a collaborative effort between academic biologists, Mexican governmental agencies, and local individuals has resulted in major information about the alien species on this island. We also report species richness of distinct endemic mammal species and the presence of feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus), which is the principal problematic situation in this “Marine Priority Region.” The possible origin of feral dogs could be the migratory movement of stray dogs to find food in the inner part of the island, first moving to garbage dumps, reproducing in the area, and later hunting goats (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus) in packs. The combination of the high density of stray dogs, urban and industrial food garbage dumps, and the large number of marine resources scattered along the seashore made ideal conditions for the establishment of feral dog packs that are affecting native species. The island does not have any natural mammal predator, but the presence of feral species, dogs and cats (Felis silvestris catus Schreber), could disturb the occurrence of endemic fauna as it has happened on other islands in the world.

The Mexican Barcode of Life (MEXBOL) project started as an initiative by researchers who wanted México to join the international DNA barcoding (iBOL) collaboration to establish a genetic system of species identification and discovery. MEXBOL has three main nodes associated with different research institutions in the northern, central, and southern parts of the country. At the beginning of 2009, the laboratories of the three nodes began to operate with support from the University of Guelph in Canada where DNA barcoding began in 2003. By the end of 2011, the laboratories in México will be completely equipped and fully operational. The project is funded by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT). In addition, the steering committee of MEXBOL supports the Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO) initiative to offer grants to any university and research center for barcoding collections of Mexican specimens. We present preliminary results of projects dealing with barcoding Mexican mammals. The aims of these analyses are to evaluate the importance of the DNA barcoding (using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene; COI) for the identification of species, study of genetic diversity, and taxonomic review. Our preliminary data suggest that DNA barcodes can be used for the discovery of cryptic species and have important implications to the understanding of the mega-diversity of mammals in México.

We report the first observations of the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) on Cerralvo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Evidence suggests a self-sustaining population. Analysis of available records indicates no previous record of Lepus on the island. Introduction of the jackrabbit to the island appears to have occurred between 1960 and 1991.