Spotted After Two Decades, Cute Ili Pika Struggles to Make a Comeback from Near Extinction

Rising temperatures and climate change has drastically reduced the Ili Pika population, warn researchers who spotted the animal after two decades in China.

According to Christian Science Monitor, the Ili Pika, also know as magic rabbit, was discovered in 1983 and its numbers were estimated at around 2,000 in early 1990s. However, no sightings of the animal were reported until last year since the 1990s. A team of 20 volunteers spotted the animal, a mammal of the Ochotonidae family. With snow peaks receding, the pika has retreated to higher altitudes and its numbers have declined due to changing habitat.

"I discovered the species, and I watched as it became endangered. If it becomes extinct in front of me, I'll feel so guilty," said conservationist Li Weidong.

Weidong who discovered the species after repeated sightings, led the volunteer group that spotted the animal in July 2014 in Xinjiang region in China.

Ili Pikas were originally found at a 3,400 meters altitude but spotting one today even at 4,000 meters is not easy. The pika is said to number less than 1,000 today.

According to Li, though the mammal was listed endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature its conservation hasn't begun.

"This tiny species could be extinct any time. They don't exist in the sites where they used to be anymore," Li said.

Li has reportedly spent more than $ 30,000 of his money for research on Ili Pikas and hopes that the Chinese government would soon recognize that the animal's extinction is certain without quick intervention.