Questions remain unanswered
Pika © Ken Cole
With very few systematic surveys of pikas there is not much to compare the results of this most recent survey to. The questions that still needs to be answered are what impact is climate change having on the survival of pikas in, especially, the isolated ranges of the pika’s range? Are the pikas being squeezed out of lower elevation sites to cooler, higher elevation sites?
A trend cannot be determined from just one sample and this information should be considered a baseline.
In places where pikas are systematically surveyed they are disappearing like in the Bodie Hills of California.
American Pika Are Thriving in the Sierra Nevada and Southwestern Great Basin
ScienceDaily
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Ken Cole
Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project. We do not accept unsolicited “guest” authors or advertising.
