Hug This Animal: Pika
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) describes the pika as a small flower-gathering relative of the rabbit. That’s really one of the sweetest descriptions I’ve ever heard. These plant eaters are also described as shy creatures that whistle to each other.
I’ve never actually seen a pika. And that’s no wonder since I don’t live where they live: rocky, alpine areas of the western US and southwestern Canada. They also live in Europe and Asia. Many people don’t know what pikas are, but most of us have heard of Pokemon. Do you see a resemblance?
According to recent research by US Geological Survey ecologist Dr. Erik Beever, global warming is contributing to the decline of the American pika.
WWF believes that if global warming isn’t reversed soon, the American pika could possibly become extinct. As temps rise due to climate change, many mountainous animals will seek higher elevations. That’s not such an easy task for the little pika. It often stays in the same general area its entire life. Also, their habitat can frequently be disconnected and difficult to transverse. Plus, these little relatives of the rabbit have dense fur and can’t cool themselves easily. Read more about all the ways that climate change is affecting the pika at WWF.
Help the Pika:
•Reduce your carbon emissions. There are many ways to do this. WWF discusses 12 Things You Can Do.
•WWF is funding more pika research. Support their efforts.
•Find out more about these creatures at Pika Works.
Tags: extinctions due to climate change, pika, pika may be in trouble, pika relatives, pikas gather flowers, pikas live around mountains, PokemonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Climate & Global Warming, Hug this Animal
5 opinions for Hug This Animal: Pika
Jennifer
Mar 21, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I love Pokemon. Even before Cedar was born - how sad is that. There is a resemblance.
This animal has an odd name though.
Peggy
Mar 21, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Jennifer, I was wondering if you’d like this little guy. At first he seemed too mouse-like, but then I saw the cute round ears and found out about his little habits. I want to see one in person now.
Jennifer
Mar 21, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Too mouse like? Do you not like mice either? So, no mice, no cute crocs, are you sure you like animals ;)
Tammy
Apr 13, 2008 at 8:11 am
I realise this is a belated comment, and mostly unrelated…however, I’m in Japan currently, so I might as well share: Pikachu’s name comes from a combination of the sound effect “pika pika” in Japanese, which means “to spark/sparkle” and “chuchu” which is the sound that a mouse makes. Of course, that doesn’t rule out the fact that they were also punning on the word “pika”, the shy animal. Just thought I’d let you know!
Peggy
Apr 13, 2008 at 11:24 am
Thanks Tammy for the info. It’s never too late to comment.
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