Ili pika

Ili pika
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Ochotonidae
Genus: Ochotona
Species: O. iliensis
Binomial name
Ochotona iliensis
Li & Ma, 1986
Ili pika range

The Ili pika (Ochotona iliensis) is a species of mammal in the family Ochotonidae, endemic to northwest China. After its discovery in 1983, it was not documented again until 2014. Its population is declining due to largely unknown causes, and it is currently considered to be endangered.

Description

The Ili pika somewhat resembles a short-eared rabbit. It is large for a pika, with a length of 20.3–20.4 cm and a weight of up to 250 g. It has brightly colored hair and displays large rusty-red spots on forehead, crown, and the sides of the neck.[2][3]

Range

It is endemic to the Tian Shan mountains of northwest Chinese province Xinjiang. A recent census indicated that the Ili pika may have been extirpated from the Jilimalale and Hutubi South Mountains.[2]

Habitat

The Ili pika inhabits talus areas on high cliff faces. This species constructs haypiles and is a generalized herbivore.[2]

Ecology

Almost nothing is known about the ecology or behavior of the species.[4] 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.[2]

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.[5] The animal was not documented again until May 2014 (again by Li).[6]

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.[2] The exact causes for recently observed population declines are not known, but it is speculated that an increase in grazing pressure and global atmospheric pollution resulting in climate change are negatively affecting populations. Low population densities and reproductive rates coupled with the relatively limited ability to disperse impede the ability of the species to recover from declines. There are no known conservation measures in place for the Ili pika.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Smith, A.T. & Johnston, C.H. (2008). "Ochotona iliensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2008. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 10 April 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of endangered.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Li, W.; Smith, A.T. (2005). "Dramatic decline of the threatened Ili pika Ochotona iliensis (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae) in Xinjiang, China.". Oryx. 39: 30–34. doi:10.1017/s0030605305000062.
  3. ↑ Smith, A.T. & Xie, Y. (2008). The Mammals of China. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.
  4. ↑ Smith, A.T. & Xie, Y. (1990). "Chapter 3: The Pikas". In J. A. Chapman & J. C. Flux. Rabbits, Hares and Pikas: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. The World Conservation Union, Gland, Switzerland.
  5. ↑ Li, W.; Ma, Y. (1986). "A new species of Ochotona, Ochotonidae, Lagomorpha.". Acta Zoologica Sinica. 32: 375–379.
  6. ↑ "Unbelievably Cute Mammal With Teddy Bear Face Rediscovered". Retrieved April 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
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