Pika

Networks and Parks Where Protocol Has Been Implemented

Upper Columbia Basin Network:

• Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Klamath Network:

• Crater Lake National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Lava Beds National Monument

Importance / Issues

• Localized extirpations of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) have been documented in isolated areas of the species range, and some scientists believe that these extirpations may be due to increased warming resulting from accelerated climate change.
• Due to a high body temperature and low upper lethal temperature, pikas have difficulty thermoregulating and rely on crevices and cavities in rocks to provide cover and thermal refugia.
• Climate change is predicted to result in high summer temperatures and reduced snowpack in many areas, both of which are expected to negatively impact pikas and their habitat.
• Crater Lake NP and Lassen Volcanic NP contain typical pika habitat comprised of high elevation talus fields. Conversely, Craters of the Moon NM&P and Lava Beds NM have lower elevation lava flows that also provide pika with a unique habitat type.
• The development of a long-term monitoring protocol is essential to enhance our understanding of pika distribution and long-term viability at these park sites.

Monitoring Objectives

• Determine the status of pika site occupancy at selected Pacific West Region parks.
• Determine the trend in pika site occupancy at selected Pacific West Region parks.

In-depth Information:

References

M. Jeffress and L. Garrett. 2011. Pika monitoring under way in four western parks: The development of a collaborative multipark protocol. Park Science 28(2).

Rodhouse, T.J., E.A. Beever, L.K. Garrett, K.M. Irvine, M.R. Jeffress, M. Munts, and C. Ray. 2010. Distribution of American pikas in a low-elevation lava landscape: conservation implications from the range periphery. Journal of Mammalogy 91:1287-1299.