One of my favorite animals to inhabit the alpine tundra and one I always think of as summer turns to fall is the American Pika. Scurrying about above the tree-line diligently gathering vegetation to stock their winter larder. The Pika is adapted to live year-round in the harsh alpine environment. However tough they may be climate change poses a significant danger to the continued existence of the Pika and in the lower regions of North America have already lost up to 1/3 of their previous habitat to climate change.
It would be a sad day indeed if a hike through the alpine tundra was devoid of a pikas song.
He’s wonderful! 😊
Hi Ellie, these little guys are indeed amazing.
Nice big ears and furry all over. Compact for heat retention.
I always am amazed that even with such a compact body this little guys thrive in the alpine regions and survive such long winters.
Oh what an adorable pika you captured, Mike. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face this morning….
Your welcome and I as well get a big grin on my face when I see a Pika.
Sad indeed. They are charming, little mountain dwellers.
HI Eliza, yes it would be a sad day hiking in the mountains with hearing a Pika chirp.
A poignant reminder that climate change affects all lives.
Yes and probably in more way than we can even understand right now.
Beautiful photographs of a furry alpine delight!
Thanks.
So utterly adorable and very jealous of you hanging out with these and taking such endearing photos. I have my fingers crossed for the pika and hope that enough people will be conscious of their plight to make a real change to their future prospects.
HI and thanks for the feedback. We do hope we as a species wake up soon to the possibility that much of the life that we currently share the planet with will be eliminated unless we change course.
Oh Bless the little things…so vulnerable, so adorable to so many!
They are indeed marvelous little guys. Hope we wake up soon.
So cute. Such introspective expressions.
Probably asking himself if he has collected enough food to make it through the winter.