American Pika Falling Victim to Climate Change

American pika extinction rates have increased over the past ten years as a result of global climate change, according to a new study published in Global Change Biology. After 110 years of analyzing data on pika distribution, researchers are finding that the American pika's distribution throughout the Great Basin is changing at an increasingly rapid rate. They are retreating to higher attitudes. The American pika, a small, hamster-like animal of the rabbit family, commonly lives on rocky slopes and lava flows throughout the western U.S. This endearing mammal is well-adapted to cold climates, with dense, silky fur. However, it is very sensitive to changes in the climate, and if pikas are unable to seek shelter, hot temperatures can lead to mortality. During the 20th Century the American pika's range moved up about 13 meters per decade. After examining pika population extinctions over the past 110 years, it has become clear that nearly half of extinction events in the Great Basin have occurred since 1999. This is just another example of how global warming is affecting animals. I think it is really sad. I don’t know how many wake-up calls people need to understand their impact on the environment and the animals that we share this world with.