Rare and Adorable Ili Pika Seen Again After Two Decades
The Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis), affectionately known as the “magic rabbit,” has been spotted for the first time in more than 20 years. This elusive and rare mammal was first discovered in 1983 in the remote Tianshan Mountains of northwestern China. With its teddy bear-like face and small rounded ears, the Ili Pika is considered one of the most adorable creatures on Earth.
A member of the Ochotonidae family, the Ili Pika is native only to China and is found in rocky mountain habitats at elevations of up to 13,450 feet. Unfortunately, climate change has severely impacted its habitat, and its population has plummeted. Fewer than 1,000 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild today, placing the species in grave danger of extinction.A Personal Mission to Save the Magic Rabbit
The rediscovery of the Ili Pika is credited to Li Weidong, the very conservationist who discovered the species more than four decades ago. After failing to see the animal for years, Li was determined to find it again. In 2014, he organized a volunteer team of 20 people to search for the elusive mammal in the Tianshan Mountains.Li succeeded in photographing the creature for the first time in over 20 years, a monumental moment for wildlife conservation. However, his joy was tempered by concern. “I discovered the species and watched as it became endangered,” Li told CNN. “If it goes extinct before my eyes, I’ll feel so guilty.”A Race Against Time
Li’s research revealed that the Ili Pika population has dropped by nearly 70% since its discovery in the 1980s. He warns that the species is rapidly disappearing from areas it once inhabited. Despite investing much of his personal savings into research, Li has struggled to gain support from government or conservation organizations.
"This tiny species could go extinct at any time,” Li said. “They no longer exist in the places where they once thrived. I’m almost 60 years old, and soon I won’t be able to climb these mountains. I truly hope an organization will step in to study and protect the Ili Pika.”The Future of the Ili Pika
The Ili Pika lives in a narrow ecological niche, making it especially vulnerable to environmental changes. Rising temperatures are forcing the animal to retreat to even higher altitudes, reducing its already limited habitat. Without urgent conservation efforts, this unique and charming mammal could vanish forever.Li’s passion and dedication are a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species before it’s too late. The world may only just be getting to know the Ili Pika, but time is running out to save it.
The Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis), affectionately known as the “magic rabbit,” has been spotted for the first time in more than 20 years. This elusive and rare mammal was first discovered in 1983 in the remote Tianshan Mountains of northwestern China. With its teddy bear-like face and small rounded ears, the Ili Pika is considered one of the most adorable creatures on Earth.
A member of the Ochotonidae family, the Ili Pika is native only to China and is found in rocky mountain habitats at elevations of up to 13,450 feet. Unfortunately, climate change has severely impacted its habitat, and its population has plummeted. Fewer than 1,000 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild today, placing the species in grave danger of extinction.A Personal Mission to Save the Magic RabbitThe rediscovery of the Ili Pika is credited to Li Weidong, the very conservationist who discovered the species more than four decades ago. After failing to see the animal for years, Li was determined to find it again. In 2014, he organized a volunteer team of 20 people to search for the elusive mammal in the Tianshan Mountains.Li succeeded in photographing the creature for the first time in over 20 years, a monumental moment for wildlife conservation. However, his joy was tempered by concern. “I discovered the species and watched as it became endangered,” Li told CNN. “If it goes extinct before my eyes, I’ll feel so guilty.”A Race Against Time
Li’s research revealed that the Ili Pika population has dropped by nearly 70% since its discovery in the 1980s. He warns that the species is rapidly disappearing from areas it once inhabited. Despite investing much of his personal savings into research, Li has struggled to gain support from government or conservation organizations.
"This tiny species could go extinct at any time,” Li said. “They no longer exist in the places where they once thrived. I’m almost 60 years old, and soon I won’t be able to climb these mountains. I truly hope an organization will step in to study and protect the Ili Pika.”The Future of the Ili PikaThe Ili Pika lives in a narrow ecological niche, making it especially vulnerable to environmental changes. Rising temperatures are forcing the animal to retreat to even higher altitudes, reducing its already limited habitat. Without urgent conservation efforts, this unique and charming mammal could vanish forever.Li’s passion and dedication are a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species before it’s too late. The world may only just be getting to know the Ili Pika, but time is running out to save it.
