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The American Pika could be the first mammal in the lower 48 (U.S.) states to make the endangered species list primarily because of climate change.
The pika is a tiny round-bodied relative of the rabbit who lives in the mountainous regions throughout the western United States and Canada. (Picture a brown, furry version of the cartoon "Pikachu.") An environmental advocacy group, The Center for Biological Diversity, petitioned for the pika to be listed on the Endangered Species list in 2007. Now, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will decide if the pika will make the list.
From the Center for Biological Diversity:
| Unfortunately, rising temperatures caused by global warming shorten pikas' food-gathering period, change the types of plants available, shrink the alpine meadows where they feed, and reduce the insulating snowpack that protects them from winter cold snaps. Because pikas are specially adapted for cold climates, warming can even directly kill them through overheating. |
Making the Endangered Species List is bad and good news. Of course, being endangered is in itself bad news for the pika. However, the good news is that making the list means increased protection under Endangered Species Act.
The final decision lies in the hands of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency is currently looking into listing the pika, and on May 7, 2009, they began A 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the American Pika as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat.
As part of the petition, U.S Fish and Wildlife is accepting comments and information on the pika and their habitat from scientists, government agencies, advocates, and other interested parties (this could be you!). They are accepting comments in letter form (no emails or faxes) or online through the Regulations.gov portal until July 7, 2009. The comments will be listed public at Regulations.gov.
After the comment period has closed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will use the next 12 months to decide the pika's fate.
In the meantime, here are 5 ways you can help the pika and other species threatened by climate change.
- Be a citizen scientist
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Use your brain to fight climate change
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Email your congressperson and tell them your concerns about climate change.
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