The Ili Pika is a cute and interesting creature that you have most likely never seen before. Despite this, it is one of the rarest and most endangered species of animals on the entire planet. In these pictures, Ili Pika can be seen at the age of twenty. According to estimations, there are probably less than 1,000 people left in their native Chinese homeland.
Its estimated population had declined by 70% since 1983 when it was discovered in the Tianshan Mountains in northwestern China. These adorable teddy bear-like creatures are unknown to scientists.
The conservationist who discovered them told CNN, “I watched its decline as the first species I encountered.” The conservationist and his volunteer team dubbed it the ‘magic rabbit’ but suspected global warming contributes to its decline.
More info: CNN (h/t: dailymail)
After a twenty-year absence, an Ili Pika was spotted for the very first time.
The rabbit has been dubbed the ‘magic rabbit’ by him and his volunteers
As the species became endangered, I watched it disappear. Li Weidong said, “I’ll feel so guilty if it goes extinct in front of me.”
In addition to discovering the Ili Pika, Li Weidong also monitors it.
