The collared pika (Ochotona collaris) is found nowhere in the world except Alaska and northern Canada and is considered seriously threatened by global warming by pika researchers. Pikas are the smallest member of the rabbit family and live only above tree-line on rocky talus slopes. In March of 2006 the Alaska Board of Game approved unlimited hunting on pika, with no season restrictions, and no bag limits. Researchers assert that the decision to hunt pika in Alaska is based on the completely erroneous claim that pika have a high reproductive rate, like some other rabbits. Nothing is farther from truth. Behaviourly and reproductively, pikas are very different from other members of the rabbit family, have very low reproductive rates, and exist in very low densities. Their unique behavior and specialization make them vulnerable to over-hunting and local extirpation. No other state in the Union allows the trapping of pika without a scientific permit. This report includes wolf and pika sound effects and an interview with internationally recognized pika researcher Dr. Andrew Smith from Arizona State University.
The collared pika (Ochotona collaris) is found nowhere in the world except Alaska and northern Canada and is considered seriously threatened by global warming by pika researchers. Pikas are the smallest member of the rabbit family and live only above tree-line on rocky talus slopes. In March of 2006 the Alaska Board of Game approved unlimited hunting on pika, with no season restrictions, and no bag limits. Researchers assert that the decision to hunt pika in Alaska is based on the completely erroneous claim that pika have a high reproductive rate, like some other rabbits. Nothing is farther from truth. Behaviourly and reproductively, pikas are very different from other members of the rabbit family, have very low reproductive rates, and exist in very low densities. Their unique behavior and specialization make them vulnerable to over-hunting and local extirpation. No other state in the Union allows the trapping of pika without a scientific permit. This report includes wolf and pika sound effects and an interview with internationally recognized pika researcher Dr. Andrew Smith from Arizona State University.
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The collared pika (Ochotona collaris) is found nowhere in the world except Alaska and northern Canada and is considered seriously threatened by global warming by pika researchers. Pikas are the smallest member of the rabbit family and live only above tree-line on rocky talus slopes. In March of 2006 the Alaska Board of Game approved unlimited hunting on pika, with no season restrictions, and no bag limits. Researchers assert that the decision to hunt pika in Alaska is based on the completely erroneous claim that pika have a high reproductive rate, like some other rabbits. Nothing is farther from truth. Behaviourly and reproductively, pikas are very different from other members of the rabbit family, have very low reproductive rates, and exist in very low densities. Their unique behavior and specialization make them vulnerable to over-hunting and local extirpation. No other state in the Union allows the trapping of pika without a scientific permit. This report includes wolf and pika sound effects and an interview with internationally recognized pika researcher Dr. Andrew Smith from Arizona State University.
Broadcast History
Will be broadcast nationally as part of EcoTalk on Air America Radio Network on April 8, 2006
Transcript
The Alaska Board of Game just approved unrestricted hunting of an organism that is showing serious declines all over the world very likely due to global warming. The animal in question is the Collared Pika. I spend part of the summer months monitoring pika populations in the American west and these new Alaska regulations are alarming. Before I tell you what a pika is, let me tell you what else happened at that early March 2006 Board of Game meeting. Both bear and wolf hunting programs were expanded beyond their already extensive levels. Of course, in Alaska you can hunt wolves from an aircraft. It?s amazing there are any wolves left at all, but there is a very good biological reason for their survival, which I?ll get to in a moment.
Pikas are the smallest member of the rabbit family. They live high in the mountains above treeline, on rocky talus slopes. And they can boulder-hop far mo...
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Timing and Cues
Suggested intro: From the San Francisco Dr. Shana Weber reports on a new license being granted in Alaska to hunt a global-warming threated species.
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