Pikas (Ochotona princeps)- Pikas (Ochotona princeps)
- Talus-obligate
- Low mobility
- Talus
- unique habitat type
- permanent and temporary refugia
Project Objectives- Information to help design and place effective crossing structures
- Habitat availability
- Habitat characteristics
- Baseline population data before crossing structures are built
- Distribution
- Abundance
- Population genetics
ResultsResults
- 47 sites mapped
- 25 North/east of I-90
- 20 South/west of I-90
- 2 under I-90 bridges
2. Habitat CharacteristicsMethods
- talus characteristics at trapping sites
- talus type
- slope
- aspect
- patch size (area)
- isolation (distance to nearest talus)
- rock size
Methods:Methods:
- visual observations of pikas
Methods:Methods:
- listen for pika calls
- search for pika haystacks
- search for pika latrines
Results:Results:
- 40 sites surveyed 95% occupied
Methods:Methods:
- 9 trapping sites (1 included 3 distinct patches)
- elevational range 2520 – 3880 ft.
- live-trapped and marked individual pikas
Methods:Methods:
- marked locations of tagged and untagged individuals; estimated minimum number of pikas
Results:Results:
- 29 individuals trapped (at 6 sites)
MethodsMethods
- ear tissue samples from all trapped individuals
- fecal pellet samples from other individuals
- all tissues stored for future genetic analyses
Results Results
- Ear tissues – 27 pikas
- Fecal pellets – 9 pikas
2009 Plan- Intensive sampling in Gold Creek CEA
- Both sides of I-90
- Trap in new talus patches
- Resample 2008 areas for additional individuals
- Intensive survey between Gold Creek bridges and Keechelus boat ramp
- for possible dispersing individuals
- Determination of subspecies in area
- Ochotona princeps fenisex (Ashnola pika)
- O. p. brunescens (Cascade pika)
2009 Plan (cont.)- Continue to identify and map talus patches
- entire project area (Gold Creek to Easton)
- Talus habitat measurements
- Same as 2008 measurements
- Add talus temperatures - dataloggers