
Photo credit:
Jason Jones (HERP.MX)
Common name
Tancitaran Dusky Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Crotalus pusillus
Conservation Status
Endangered
Federal and State Protections
Amenazada (Threatened) MX
Countries of Occurrence
Mexico
States or Providence
Michoacán, Jalisco, possibly extreme northwestern Colima
Counties
Adult size
Species Description
This small rattlesnake averages under two feet long. It occurs in the pine-oak forests in mountains and volcanos Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt at 5000 to 7800 ft elevation in the avocado capital of the world. The Tancitaran dusky rattlesnake likely primarily consumes lizards. It is typically durinal. Current conservation efforts involve breeding this species in captivity.
The Tancitaran dusky rattlesnake is one of two rattlesnakes categorized as endangered by the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by a fragmented and declining habitat, cartel activity, and volcanic activity.