Rare Endangered Ili Pika Photographed For First Time In 20 Years [PIC]

Ili pika (Ochotona iliensis):
:IliPika:

"The critter, an adorable cross between a teddy bear and an Ewok, is not a bear at all but a lagomorph, which means its closest relatives are rabbits and hares. The species was first discovered by Xinjiang Institute for Ecology and Geography researcher and lagomorph conservation biologist Weidong Li in 1983 and not formally described in the scientific literature until three years later. It took him that long to collect enough specimens to be sure it was indeed new to science. Its range is limited to the Tian Shan Mountains in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In 2014, the researchers went out for another look. That summer, Li managed to spot an ili pika and snap a few photos, confirming that the species still clings to existence in some spots. But the outlook isn't hopeful.

As Carrie Arnold wrote this week at National Geographic News

[link to news.nationalgeographic.com]
"there are no concerted efforts under way to help the Ili pika. Li said he hopes to change that, and use the rediscovery of the animal to create conservation areas for the species."

Could ili pikas replace giant pandas as the most charismatic of endangered species in China? They certainly are cute enough."

Read More: [link to www.earthtouchnews.com]

rare endangered species new to science. nice

took three years to collect specimens. not so nice...

OMG it's adorable!!!

OMG it's adorable!!!

and now that its been found, one step closer to extinction