Also known as zacatuche, from zacatl, bunch grass and tochtli, rabbit, or teporingo, it is unique to Mexico with a very restricted distriburion.
It lives between 2800 and 4250 m.a.s.l. in the mountains surrounding the Valle de Mexico to the east and south, including the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.