Posted on 02/09/2008 2:50:56 PM PST by NormsRevenge
Department of Fish and Game biologists are recommending that the state deny endangered species status for the mountain-dwelling America pika, a relative of the rabbit.
Reachers have found shrinking pika populations throughout the mountains of Nevada and Utah. They say global warming is the main cause.
But Department of Fish and Game biologists say they found inadequate evidence that pika numbers are dropping in California. They're recommending that the Fish and Game Commission reject a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity asking for endangered species status for the pika.
The pika, or rock-rabbit, is adapted to colder temperatures at elevations above the tree line. The 6-inch-long rodent can overheat and die within an hour at temperatures above 70 degrees.
The population has been dwindling and drifting to ever higher elevations, but biologists fear it eventually will run out of mountain.
I’m sure the reintroduction of predators has nothing to do with.
Maybe but I remember when spotted owls had to live in certain old trees and then were found nesting in Walmart signs. Salmon had to return to their specific birth place river and when the earthquake or something blocked those rivers they were observed just going up to the next river just fine. Pandas would starve to death if they did not eat bamboo and then the zoo discovers they love and do great with yams and many other food sources.
The state should just recruit a bunch of tree huggers to hang out at the tree lines and round ‘em up and carry them up slope if a heat wave hits .. they’ll know when its time if the little fellars start fainting..
First the delta smelt, now the pika...
Junk science, nothing but PHD welfare. Gotta keep those grants coming in!
Global warming is behind it.
They are cute little fellas too.
Just don't cross 'em. ;-)
That's exactly what they are.
That's one cranky lookin' li'l critter!
Who cares about pikas? I’m concerned about pookas. Has anyone seen one recently? I didn’t think so.
Good riddance to filthy lagomorphs.
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