Meet Omiltemi cottontail: Vanished for 120 years, Mexico’s elusive rabbit returns

Long-Lost Omiltemi Rabbit Found After 120 Years in Mexico (Image: Canva)

In the foggy mountains of southern Mexico, hope was revived. A rabbit lost to the ages was seen once more. The Omiltemi cottontail, which had been absent for more than 120 years, has returned to the wild. For scientist José Alberto Almazán-Catalán, the experience was dreamlike. After five years of searching, his team captured its first clear photo.

Rediscovery Surprises Scientists and Inspires New Efforts
The last sighting of the rabbit was in 1904. Since then, it vanished from records, baffling researchers. But Almazán-Catalán refused to give up the search. He worked with locals and explored difficult terrain. In April, his camera trap caught the rabbit at last. The animal was spotted in Mexico’s Sierra Madre del Sur. These mountains hold cloud forests, remote and rarely studied.

The search was part of Re:wild’s lost species campaign. Almazán-Catalán said early efforts were full of doubt. Locals had spoken of a dark-tailed rabbit for years. Still, many believed it had gone extinct. The first photo gave clear proof it had survived. “I was amazed and very happy,” said the ecologist.

Technology and Tradition Combine to Find Elusive Species
Locals shared stories that guided camera placements in the wild. Their help became vital in locating the animal’s habitat. Researchers used drones, motion-activated cameras and interviews. Christina Biggs of Re:wild praised the creative search strategy. “We used everything from drones to interviews,” she said. It took years of patient fieldwork to gather evidence.

The rabbit’s habitat is small and hard to reach. The region has seen little research due to terrain. Political challenges and low funding delayed earlier studies. Many sightings were misidentified as common cottontails. The black tail of the Omiltemi rabbit is unique. That key feature helped confirm the species' identity.

The Rabbit’s Role in Forest Ecosystems is Crucial
Almazán-Catalán said the rabbit helps spread forest seeds. It also supports many predators in the food chain. Owls, snakes, ocelots, and pumas rely on it. The animal plays a vital part in forest health. Its rediscovery brings new urgency to conservation plans.

Local hunters may reduce activity to protect the rabbit. Their support will be key in future conservation work. Saving the rabbit also helps many other species nearby. The Omiltemi cottontail’s return reminds us of nature’s resilience. But it also shows the need for ongoing protection.