Up to 2015, a total of 29 live sightings were reported. The animal was not observed again until May 2014 (again by Li). After three years of research, Li and his team named it the Ili pika, after the area where it is found, the Ili Prefecture on the far west side of China's Xinjiang province. The species was first observed by conservationist Li Weidong in 1983. During the winter season, they are more active during the day while during the spring and fall, they are more active at night. Also, the Ili pika varies the percent of time it is active during the day or night based on seasons. The Ili pika is similar to other rock-dwelling pikas in that they are asocial creatures, however, they are less likely to utter vocalizations. Therefore, the second litter is abandoned due to the limitation of resources needed to nurture them. The second litter is conceived following a post-partum estrus- when their mother’s fat reserves have been already used up. Two litters are initiated each breeding season, in which two young are found in a nest, but only one is successful. It is mostly a diurnal species, but may exhibit nocturnal activity. The Ili pika has low population densities. Īlmost nothing is known about the ecology or behavior of the species. The Ili Pika is found only on these two ridges, and these coordinates define the maximum possible distribution of the species. An additional two populations were discovered in the center of a smaller southern spur of the Tian Shan, a range which extends from 82o 20’ – 84o 13’ E. In the decade following its discovery, the Ili Pika was found at 11 localities in the northern spur of the Tian Shan, extending roughly from 82o 21’ – 87o 25’ E longitude. It occupies slightly sloping high rock walls or cliff faces interlaced with gaps or holes that serve as dens. This species constructs haypiles and is a generalized herbivore. The Ili pika inhabits talus slopes at high elevations, usually from about 2,800 to 4,100 meters. A recent census indicated that the Ili pika may have been extirpated from the Jilimalale and Hutubi South Mountains. It is endemic to the Tian Shan mountains of northwest Chinese province Xinjiang.
It has brightly colored hair and displays large rusty-red spots on forehead, crown, and the sides of the neck. It is large for a pika, with a length of 20.3–20.4 centimetres (8.0–8.0 in) and a weight of up to 250 grams (0.55 lb). The Ili pika somewhat resembles a short-eared rabbit. Increased temperatures, likely from global warming, and increased grazing pressure may have caused the rapid decline in population.Īccording to IUCN last assessed in 2018, the Ili pika is now considered an endangered species, with approximately fewer than 1,000 left. After its discovery in 1983, it was studied for a decade. The Ili pika ( Ochotona iliensis) is a species of mammal in the family Ochotonidae, endemic to northwest China.
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