Pika Threatened By Climate Change Will Not Be Added To Endangered Species

The Fish and Wildlife Service has rejected a bid to extend endangered species protection to the pika. What is perhaps more important in this decision is not the immediate survival of the species in the Western U.S. but in the possible reason for its rejection. This cousin of the rabbit is being pushed closer to extinction and the most probable cause is the politically-sensitive climate change.

The pika is a small hamster-like animal, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tail. The name pika (pronounced PYE-kə) is used for any member of the Ochotonidae, a family within the order of lagomorphs, which also includes the Leporidae (rabbits and hares). One genus, Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species.

Pikas are also called rock rabbits or coneys. It is also known as the "whistling hare" due to its high-pitched alarm call when diving into its burrow.

These animals are herbivores, and feed on a wide variety of plant matter. Because of their native habitat, they primarily eat grasses, sedges, shrub twigs, moss, and lichen.

The American pika's mountain habitat is the California's Sierra Nevada and parts of 9 other Western states. Temperatures in these western areas could increase by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050 according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Pika have thick coats that allow them to tolerate harsh winters but literally overheat them to death if they are exposed to an afternoon of 77+ degrees Fahrenheit.

By adding the pika to the ESA list, it would have forced the current administration to address the issue of climate change affecting animal species. That is a fight that the Bush administration was unwilling to take on, and it appears that the Obama administration is also unwilling to tackle it.

In defending the decision to keep them from being listed, the administration points to new studies that suggest that pika will be able to migrate to cooler areas upslope.


Pika: Life in the Rocks

ScientificAmerican.com/pika-endangered-species

February Environmental Programs in Essex County

A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of February that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites children and adults to visit the Environmental Center where they can enjoy an enriching recreational experience through nature and conservation activities.

Some samples:

“Little Explorers Winter Nature Program” is a child-caregiver class that uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each session, a different nature or science topic is covered. Space is limited. Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call the Environmental Center at 973-228-8776. Cost is $5 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Little Explorers Nature Program is scheduled as follows:

Dates: Thursdays, February 2 through 25, 2010
Times: 10 a.m. for ages 2 to 3½ years
1 p.m. OR 3 p.m. for ages 3½ to 5 years
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Owls of Essex” is a family-oriented program being offered by the NJ Audubon Society. Participants will investigate where these majestic birds fit into the food web by dissecting owl pellets, discover how owls build their nests and communicate, and make “owl pellet” candy to take home. Space is limited. Advance registration is required. For information, call the NJ Audubon Society at 973-226-6082. Cost is $5 for NJAS members and $7 for non-members. Owls of Essex will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Will We Sacrifice Our Water for Gas? Natural Gas Drilling in the Delaware River Watershed and How It Will Impact New Jersey Residents' Water Supply” is sponsored by the West Essex Park Conservancy and the Essex Sierra Club Singles Group. Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director of Delaware Riverkeeper Network, will address the looming impacts of natural gas drilling in the Delaware River Watershed and the harmful environmental effects it may have on downstream populations such as New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. There will also be a discussion on the Halliburton Loophole, which exempts gas drilling from the Safe Drinking Water Act and other federal environmental laws. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $7 per adult and free for WEPC/Sierra Club members. Natural Gas Drilling will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation” is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Enjoy the beautiful views of Manhattan while discovering the birds of open spaces and woodlands. Meet at the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial parking lot in West Orange. Space is limited. The hike is free. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation
Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial
Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ

“4-H Environmental Kids Club” is for children in grades 2nd through 5th. The environment is filled with things big and small, that surprise and help us. Join the 4-H Club each month to see how much fun it is to learn about the world. Advance registration is required. For more information, please call 4-H at 973-228-3785. 4-H Environmental Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

download Programs Brochure (PDF)

Tracking and Stalking

Tracking is an ancient activity and an excellent way to become more attuned to the natural world.

Though many people associate tracking and stalking with hunting, it can also be a technique used by wildlife observers and photographers.

In fact, the aim of many trackers is non-intrusive because getting too close to animals can cause them to abandon their young, disturb nesting grounds, and damage their foraging areas or patterns.

There are many books on reading tracks and stalking techniques. Several techniques focus on very mindful walking.

The Fox Walk is a technique that allows you to feel the surface of the ground and slowly compress, leaves, and sticks to minimize noise.

In stalking, one steps very slowly - about 1 minute per step. You minimize all body movement.That includes freezing if the animal looks up and holding still it until the animal is no longer focused on you.
If you're taking children along, it can be both frustrating and instructive to try to get them to be this quiet and more slowly and observantly.

It's also fun and educational to create a track box alongside a trail, practice wide-angle vision, focused hearing and stalk each other.




Tom Brown's Science and Art of Tracking
Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking
A Field Guide to Mammal Tracking in North America
Animal Tracking and Behavior
Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign

2010 NJ State Park Pass

The annual New Jersey State Park Pass hangtag is available for $50, and provides free entrance for one calendar year to the parks and forests facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees.

If you are a frequent visitor to the state parks, the purchase of the annual pass can mean a substantial savings over the payment of daily walk-in or parking fees. A second household pass hangtag may be purchased at a reduced price of $25. The second household pass must be purchased at the same time as the first pass purchase.

NJ's state parks and forests are open and beautiful in winter too.
Kittatinny Valley State Park is an example of one that offers
cold-weather activities, including hikes and wildlife tracking.

Kittatinny Valley State Park is located near Andover, New Jersey.

There are over eight miles (13 km) of rugged mountain bike trails available.

The 20-mile (32 km) Sussex Branch Trail passes through swamps, lakes, fields and several communities. Many features from its previous existence as a railroad can be exhibited. Among those features are graded fill areas, cuts through bedrock, underpasses that allowed the passage of farm equipment and dairy cattle from one side of the tracks to the other, and bridges crossing the Pequest River or Paulins Kill. The flat cinder base of the trail permits multiple uses including hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing and dog sledding. The trail provides access for fishing and for wheelchairs in certain areas. The Sussex Branch Trail also crosses through Allamuchy Mountain State Park.

Kittatinny Valley State Park map (PDF)

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To apply for a state park pass, download an application at: State Park Pass Application (PDF)

New Jersey residents who are age 62 or older or who are disabled may be eligible for a Senior Citizen Pass or Disability Pass, which grants free entrance to the parks and discounted camping rates. An application form is not necessary if you purchase your pass in-person.