The Ili pika is a species of mammal in the family Ochotonidae, endemic to northwestChina. After its discovery in 1983, it was not documented again until 2014. Its population is declining, likely due to the effects of climate change. The Ili pika is currently considered to be endangered, with approximately fewer than 1,000 left.
Description
The Ili pika somewhat resembles a short-eared rabbit. It is large for a pika, with a length of 20.3–20.4cm and a weight of up to 250g. It has brightly colored hair and displays large rusty-red spots on forehead, crown, and the sides of the neck.
The Ili pika inhabits talus slopes at high elevations, usually from about 2,800 to 4,100 meters. This species constructs haypiles and is a generalized herbivore. It primarily feeds on grasses and herbs. Almost nothing is known about the ecology or behavior of the species. The Ili pika has low population densities. It is mostly a diurnal species, but may exhibit nocturnal activity. Only one to two litters are produced each year, but litter size for this species is unknown. The Ili pika is similar to other rock-dwelling pikas in that they are asocial creatures, however, they are less likely to utter vocalizations. Also, the Ili pika varies the percent of time it is active during the day or night based on seasons. During the winter season, they are more active during the day while during the spring and fall, they are more active at night.
Conservation
The species was first observed by conservationist Li Weidong in 1983. After three years of research, Li and his team named it the Ili pika, after the area where it is found, the Ili Prefecture on the far west side of China's Xinjiang province. The animal was not documented again until May 2014. Up to 2015, a total of 29 live sightings were reported. Its population has been reduced by 70% within 15 years. Population declines have been observed for several locations inhabited by this species. A recent census indicated that the Ili pika may have been extirpated from the Jilimalale and Hutubi South Mountains. Populations have declined in the regions of Jipuk, Tianger Apex, and Telimani Daban. Only one examined site, the Bayingou region of Xinjiang Uygur, showed signs of previously observed abundance. An estimated 2,000 mature individuals existed in the early 1990s. The exact causes for recently observed population declines are not known with certainty, but it is speculated that an increase in grazing pressure and global atmospheric pollution resulting in climate change are negatively affecting populations. It has been suggested that a warming climate has increased the presence of vegetation and animal species from lower elevations in the pika's habitat, leading to a larger number of attendant predators to which pika populations had not so far been exposed. Low population densities and reproductive rates coupled with the relatively limited ability to disperse impede the ability of the species to recover from declines. One study of captive animals suggests that the species has some capacity to adapt its feeding habits to lower elevations. There are no known conservation measures in place for the Ili pika.
