SPECIES: Scientific [common] Ochotona princeps [American pika] Forest: Salmon–Challis National Forest Forest Reviewer: Mary Friberg Date of Review: 2/14/2018 Forest concurrence (or recommendation No if new) for inclusion of species on list of potential SCC: (Enter Yes or No)
FOREST REVIEW RESULTS:
1. The Forest concurs or recommends the species for inclusion on the list of potential SCC: Yes___ No__X_
2. Rationale for not concurring is based on (check all that apply): Species is not native to the plan area ______Species is not known to occur in the plan area ______Species persistence in the plan area is not of substantial concern __X_____
FOREST REVIEW INFORMATION:
1. Is the Species Native to the Plan Area? Yes_X__ No___
If no, provide explanation and stop assessment.
2. Is the Species Known to Occur within the Planning Area? Yes_X__ No___
If no, stop assessment. Table 1. All Known Occurrences, Years, and Frequency within the Planning Area Year Observed Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC, etc.)
1890–2009 40 Challis Yankee Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017)
1890– 2011 4 Leadore Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017); USFS Natural Resources Information System Wildlife (April 2017)
1949–2014 36 Lost River Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017); USFS Natural Resources Information System Wildlife (April 2017) Year Observed Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC, etc.)
1948–2012 19 Middle Fork Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017); USFS Natural Resources Information System Wildlife (April 2017)
1938–2010 22 North Fork Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017)
2007–2013 6 Salmon–Cobalt Ranger District Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017); USFS Natural Resources Information System Wildlife (April 2017)
a. Are all Species Occurrences Only Accidental or Transient?
Yes___ No_X__
If yes, document source for determination and stop assessment. b. For species with known occurrences on the Forest since 1990, based on the number of observations and/or year of last observation, can the species be presumed to be established or becoming established in the plan area?
Yes_X__ No___
If no, provide explanation and stop assessment
c. For species with known occurrences on the Forest predating 1990, does the weight of evidence suggest the species still occurs in the plan area?
Yes___ No___
Provide explanation for determination
N/A – occurrences have been documented since 1990.
If determination is no, stop assessment
d. Map 1, American pika range in Idaho (IDFG 2017a)
IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017a. American pika (Ochotona princeps). Internet website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/16618. Accessed on November 27, 2017.
Map 2, American pika range in Montana (MNHP and MFWP 2017)
MNHP and MFWP (Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks). 2017. Montana Field Guides – American pika (Ochotona princeps). Internet website: http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAEA01020. Accessed on November 27, 2017. e. Map 3, American pika occurrences on the Salmon–Challis National Forest [Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017); USFS Natural Resources Information System Wildlife (April 2017)]
3. Is There Substantial Concern for the Species’ Capability to persist Over the Long-term in the Plan Area Based on Best Available Scientific Information?
Table 2. Status summary based on existing conservation assessments
Entity Status/Rank (include definition if Other) NatureServe G5—Secure (Common; widespread and abundant) Global Rank NatureServe S3—Vulnerable (At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and State Rank widespread declines, or other factors) State List IDFG: Protected nongame Status USDA Forest Not Region 1 or 4 sensitive Service Not SGCN USDI FWS Not listed Other IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern
Not BLM Type 2 (Idaho BLM Sensitive Species, including USFWS Proposed and Candidate species, ESA species delisted during the past 5 years, and ESA Experimental Non-essential populations)
BLM (United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management). 2015. Idaho BLM Special Status Species List Update. Instruction Memorandum ID-IM-2015-009. Internet website: https://www.blm.gov/policy/id-im-2015-009. Accessed on November 27, 2017.
Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: Internet website: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/0. Accessed on November 27, 2017.
Table 3. Status summary based on best available scientific information.
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations 1 B2 American pika are thought to be well distributed in suitable habitat IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Distribution on on the Salmon-Challis (B. Waterbury pers. commun.) Range maps Game). 2017. Idaho State Wildlife Action Salmon–Challis indicate that this pika is a year-round resident throughout the Forest Plan, 2015. Boise, ID. National Forest (Map 1) and western Montana (Map 2). Recent occurrences have been documented on all SCNF ranger districts (Table 1, Map 3).
Habitat features (see Criterion 6) are small, localized, and distributed patchily across the Forest (IDFG 2017). Patches within mountain ranges may be close enough for subpopulations to interact as a metapopulation (Rank B2). Confidence is moderated by lack of population studies. Populations between mountain ranges are isolated by inhospitable lowlands.
Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 2 C The American pika has a widespread, but discontinuous geographic NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: Distribution in distribution throughout mountainous areas of the western United An online encyclopedia of life [web surrounding States and southwestern Canada (British Columbia and Alberta) application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, geographic area (Smith and Beever 2016). The species range extends from central Arlington, Virginia. Internet website: British Columbia and southern Alberta south to east-central http://explorer.natureserve.org. Accessed California, Nevada, southern Utah, and northern New Mexico; and on November 27, 2017. east to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado (NatureServe 2017). The NPS (National Park Service). 2016. Craters species’ elevational distribution varies with latitude—pikas occur at of the Moon National Monument & elevations from sea level up to 3000 m in the northern extent of their Preserve, Idaho: Pika. Internet website: range but are uncommon below 2500 m in the southern-most https://www.nps.gov/crmo/learn/nature/ portions of their range (Smith and Beever 2017). pika.htm. Accessed on November 27,
2017. Although populations have been extirpated from historically occupied low-elevation sites due to changes in climate, there are numerous Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
locations where pikas persist in unsuitable regional climates, such as princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho. This may reflect a Species 2016: Internet website: strong decoupling of microclimates used by pikas (which are notably http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ temperature sensitive) from the macroclimate of the region (NPS 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017. 2016; Smith and Beever 2016).
Because the species occurs in multiple states and provinces, it is widely distributed outside the Forest (Rank C).
Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 3 B Pikas are considered to be dispersal limited, with movements Halofsky, J. E., D. L. Peterson, J. J. Ho, N. J. Dispersal restricted to short distances or along continuous elevation gradients Little, L. A. Joyce. 2018. Climate change Capability where lowlands do not need to be crossed (Halofsky et al. 2018, vulnerability and adaptation in the subject to editorial revision). Thus, pikas in some locations will have Intermountain Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. difficulty tracking a geographical shift in habitat. Juveniles tend to RMRS-GTR20 xxx. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. return to or remain near a particular site or area, largely occupying Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, gaps between adult territories (Smith and Beever 2016). Dispersal Rocky Mountain Research Station. xxx p. distances of <300 m are most common (Smith 1974; Smith and Ivins Henry, P., Z. Sim, and M. A. Russello. 2012. 1983; Smith 1987 in Milllar et al 2016). However, indirect genetic Genetic evidence for restricted dispersal data suggest that long-distance movement (>2 km) occurs along continuous altitudinal gradients in a occasionally and is driven by competition for territory (Peacock climate change-sensitive mammal: The 1997). American pika. PLoS One, 7(6):
doi:http://dx.doi.org.colorado.idm.oclc.or Dispersal capabilities also appears to be related to climatic factors g/10.1371/journal.pone.0039077. including annual heat-to-moisture ratio, mean annual precipitation, precipitation as snow, and mean maximum summer temperature. Millar, C.I., R.D. Westfall, and D.L. Delany. The species’ ability to disperse between sites may decrease due to 2016. Thermal components of American changes in climate (Henry et al. 2017). pika habitat – How does a small lagomorph encounter climate? Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 48(2): pp.
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Also, the pika’s ability for dispersal is limited by habitat 327-343. characteristics (i.e., elevation, climate) (Rank B). Peacock, M. M. 1997. Determining natal
dispersal patterns in a population of North Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low American pikas (Ochotona princeps) using direct mark-resight and indirect genetic methods. Behavioral Ecology 8:340-350. Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: Internet website: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017. 4 B Relative densities on nearby habitat in Montana are generally low MNHP and MFWP (Montana Natural Abundance on (MNHP and MFWP 2017). This and recent occurrence data suggest Heritage Program and Montana Fish, the Salmon– that the species is probably also uncommon on the Forest (Rank B), Wildlife, and Parks). 2017. Montana Field Challis National but is locally abundant (American pikas are individually territorial. In Guides – American pika (Ochotona Forest prime talus habitat about 20 pikas occur per hectare (Smith and princeps). Internet website: Beever 2016)). Confidence is medium due to lack of systematic http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.asp surveys on the Forest. x?elcode=AMAEA01020. Accessed on November 27, 2017.
Moyer-Horner, L., E. A. Beever, D. Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Johnson, M. Biel, and J. Belt. 2016. Predictors of Current and Longer-Term Patterns of Abundance of American Pikas (Ochotona princeps) across a Leading-Edge Protected Area. PLoS ONE11(11): e0167051. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.016
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
7051. Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: Internet website: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017. 5 D Recent surveys of historical sites have noted population extirpations Beever, E. A., P. F. Brussard, and J. Berger. Population Trend in several regions of the western US (Smith and Beever 2016). Beever 2003. Patterns of apparent extirpation on the Salmon– et al. (2003) found that 28% of Great Basin populations reported in among isolated populations of pikas Challis National the earlier 20th century have experienced recent extirpations. In (Ochotona princeps) in the great basin. Forest Montana, short-term pika abundances decreased by 68% during a Journal of Mammalogy, 84(1): 37-54. three-year study (Moyer-Horner et al. 2016). Moyer-Horner, L., E. A. Beever, D. The IUCN Red List reports the global population as declining, Johnson, M. Biel, and J. Belt. 2016. primarily at low elevations in the Great Basin. Populations are being Predictors of Current and Longer-Term lost, and other populations are shifting their distribution upslope. Patterns of Abundance of American Pikas Knowledge of the pika’s thermal sensitivity and limited dispersal (Ochotona princeps) across a Leading-Edge ability suggest it is unlikely that any of these lost populations can be Protected Area. PLoS ONE11(11): resettled within ecological time (Smith and Beever 2016). e0167051. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.016 Populations on the SCNF are approximately at the center of their 7051. range, so impacts from changes in climate may be less severe relative to more southerly populations. However, because no population Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona surveys have been conducted on the Forest, information is princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened insufficient to assess this criterion (Rank D). Species 2016: Internet website: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017.
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
6 A/B Pikas are strongly associated with alpine habitats and are commonly IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Habitat Trend on found in rock outcrops and talus slopes at high elevation, typically Game). 2017b. Idaho State Wildlife Action the Salmon– adjoining a meadow or source of vegetation in cool and moist Plan, 2015. Boise, ID. Challis National microclimates (IDFG 2017b). Pikas prefer talus in rock-ice-feature Forest formations and with rock diameters of 0.2–1.0 m (Smith and Beever NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: 2016). Populations may also occur in rocky areas within forests or An online encyclopedia of life [web near lakes at lower elevations (NatureServe 2017) and subalpine application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, forest is suspected to provide habitat on the Salmon-Challis. For Arlington, Virginia. Internet website: instance, pika are known to occupy microsites within whitebark pine http://explorer.natureserve.org. Accessed stands in the Beaverhead Mountains on the Forest. These forests on September 8, 2017. capture snow important for pika thermoregulation (B. Waterbury Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona pers. commun.). princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species 2016: Internet website: Pika abundance is correlated to habitat characteristics. Short-term http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ pika abundances in Montana were positively associated with 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017. intermediate elevations, greater cover of mosses, and taller forbs,
whereas longer-term abundances were associated only with static USFS (United States Department of variables (longitude, elevation, gradient) and were lower on north- Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017a. facing slopes (Moyer-Horner et al. 2016). Salmon–Challis National Forest Data
Assessment, Terrestrial Ecosystems Upper subalpine, which includes whitebark pine, covers 18% of the Section (Draft). Forest. Five-needled pines such as whitebark pine are being threatened by the synergistic effect of fire suppression; the rapid _____. 2017b. Data on file expansion of white pine blister rust; mountain pine beetle outbreaks; (20171201_SCVeg_FRG_VCC.xlsx). and changes in climate (IDFG 2017). These threats are causing Salmon-Challis National Forest, Salmon, widespread declines in high-elevation whitebark pine forests across ID. the SCNF (Rank A) and have led to the recent listing of whitebark pine as a Candidate Species under the Endangered Species Act across its range (USFS 2017).
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Approximately 3% of land on the Forest consists of barren rock or open water, while alpine areas represent only 1% of the land area (USFS 2017a). Within these alpine systems, approximately 13% of the vegetation is considered mesic meadows (USFS 2017b). These areas and the edges of mountain lakes and associated hanging valley may provide foraging habitat for pikas (IDFG 2017b; USFS 2017a). Because alpine and barren rock mainly occur in designated wilderness, roadless, or remote areas where human interference is minimal, they are considered to exhibit good integrity and to be relatively stable (Rank B; IDFG 2017b; USFS 2017a). Although alpine systems are rare and unique, they are well represented on the Forest and fairly connected within mountain ranges (M. Friberg pers. comm.; USFS 2017a). Encroachment of woody plants into subalpine meadows has been observed on the Forest, but there is no data on the extent.
Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 7 A The greatest threat to American pika is climate warming. To project Beever, E.A.; Wilkening, J.L.; McIvor, D.E.; Vulnerability of the future climate and impacts to resources in the Intermountain [et al.]. 2008. American pikas (Ochotona Habitats on the Region including the Salmon-Challis, the Intermountain Adaptation princeps) in northwestern Nevada: a newly Salmon–Challis Partnership (IAP) used Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] discovered population at a low-elevation National Forest 4.5 and 8.5, which capture a moderate and high future warming, site. Western North American Naturalist. respectively (Halofsky et al. 2018). Although pathways predicting 68: 8–14.
lower warming exist, the 4.5 and 8.5 pathways were chosen by the Beever, E. A., C. Ray, P. W. Mote, and J. L. IAP because they are, in comparison, well studied providing a large Wilkening. 2010. Testing alternative set of projections that enhance our understanding of the possible models of climate-mediated extirpations. range in future climate. Thus, this represents best available science Ecological Applications, 20(1): 164-178. for our Forest with regard to a warming climate. Beever E. A., Hall L. E., Varner J., Loosen A.
E., Dunham J. B., Gahl M. K., Smith F. A.,
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Although uncertainty exists about the magnitude and rate of changes Lawler J. 2017. Behavioral flexibility as a in climate (For a discussion of this see Behrens et al. 2018), warming mechanism for coping with climate temperatures are the most certain consequence of increased CO2 in change. Front Ecol Environ., 15:299–308. the atmosphere. By 2100, median minimum and maximum temperature in the Middle Rockies subregion, which includes the Behrens, P.N., R.E. Keane, D.L. Peterson, Salmon-Challis, is projected to rise about 5-6˚F under the moderate and J.J. Ho. 2018. Chapter 6: effects of warming scenario and about 10˚F under the high warming scenario. climatic variability and change on forest Regardless of scenario, the greatest departure from historical vegetation. In Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, seasonal minimum temperatures occurs in the summer. Annual J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, editors. 2018. precipitation projections are highly variable with no discernible trend Climate change vulnerability and under moderate warming and a slight increasing trend with high adaptation in the Intermountain Region. warming (Joyce and Talbert 2018). Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-xxx. Fort Collins, CO: US Department of Agriculture, Whitebark pine populations already stressed by pine blister rust and Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research mountain pine beetles and more frequent wildfire may cause Station. Xxx p. wildfires that quickly eliminate mature trees across the landscape (Behrens et al. 2018). Loss of these forests could reduce the Friggens, M.M., M.I. Williams, K.E. Bagne, availability of microsites of deep snow. T.T. Wixom, and S.A. Cushman. 2018. Chapter 9: Effects of climatic change on Alpine habitats are at “very high” risk from the effects of changes in terrestrial animals. In Halofsky, J.E., D.L. climate as dryer, hotter conditions promote tree growth and Peterson, J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, snowpack decreases (Padgett et al. 2018). Because alpine systems editors. 2018. Climate change vulnerability are dependent on snowfields and gradual snowmelt to maintain and adaptation in the Intermountain moisture for vegetation, warming temperatures, increased drought, Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-xxx. and changes in the depth and persistence of snowpack could greatly Fort Collins, CO: US Department of affect this habitat (Padgett et al. 2018; IDFG 2017), thereby reducing Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky burrowing and foraging habitat for pikas. Mountain Research Station. Xxx p.
Pikas persist in cold climates through a combination of microhabitat Halofsky, J. E., D. L. Peterson, J. J. Ho, N. J. selection, behavior, and physiological adaptation. Talus matrices Little, L. A. Joyce. 2018. Climate change
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
buffer dens from extreme surface air temperatures in summer vulnerability and adaptation in the (MacArthur and Wang 1973; Beever et al 2010; Wilkening et al. 2011; Intermountain Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. Henry et al. 2012 in Millar et al. 2016) and winter (Millar et al. 2016). RMRS-GTR20 xxx. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Snow cover is required to best insulate dens and haypiles (Beever et Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, al. 2010; Wilkening et al. 2011 in Millar et al. 2016). Without Rocky Mountain Research Station. xxx p. snowpack that acts as an insulator during winter, pikas might freeze IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and or extinguish their food supplies while attempting to thermoregulate, Game). 2017. Idaho State Wildlife Action leading to an increase in mortality (Beever et al. 2010). Snowpack Plan, 2015. Boise, ID. may need to be >20 inches to provide best insulation throughout the
talus matrix (Hanson and Holzle 2004 and Juliussen and Humlum Joyce, L. A., Talbert, M. 2018. Chapter 3: 2008 in Millar et al. 2014). Snowpack depth and persistence may be reduced due to changes in climate, although impacts on the Salmon- Historical and Projected Climate, pp. 80- Challis may be markedly less compared to other areas of the 125, In Halofsky, J. E., Peterson, D. L., Ho, Intermountain Region (Muir et al. 2018). In addition, because of the J. J., Little, N. J., and Joyce, L. A., editors. complexity of the terrain microsites of adequate snow depth may Climate Change Vulnerability and remain. In addition, snowdepth on April 1 >20 in. has historically Adaptation in the Intermountain been limited on the Forest and, based on maps of pika occurences Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-xxx. (Map 1 above) and historical snowdepth (USFS 2018b), pika occur in U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest areas on the Forest and in surrounding areas where snow depth may Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, have historically been < 20 in. While snowpack may be reduced, Fort Collins, CO. average winter temperatures may increase (Joyce and Talbert 2018). Conversely, lower snowpack may still make pika more vulnerable to Luce, C. H., Abatzoglou, J. T., Holden, Z. A., acute cold stress caused by increased exposure to threshold cold 2013, The Missing Mountain Water: temperature (Beever et al. 2010). Slower Westerlies Decrease Orographic Enhancement in the Pacific Northwest Summer temperatures in dispersal habitat may be most constraining USA, Science, 342, 1360-1364, DOI: for pika and, in part, responsible for recent extirpations (Millar et al. 10.1126/science.1242335. 2016). Pikas are cold adapted and physiologically sensitive to high temperatures (Otto et al. 2015). Yet, interestingly, pikas disperse Millar, C. I., and R. D. Westfall. 2010. during the warmest part of the year and day. Thus, where summer Distribution and climatic relationships of
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
temperatures are high, the availability of thermal refugia in dispersal the American pika (Ochotona habitat will be important. Where this does not exist, populations will princeps) in the Sierra Nevada and be increasingly isolated by climate warming and the potential for western Great Basin, U.S.A.; Periglacial local die offs will rise. A behavioral modification to disperse at night landforms as refugia in warming climates. would be required to counter this effect, but Millar et al. (2016) Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 42: postulate this is less likely to occur than other habitat use 76–88. modifications because dispersal is cued by other seasonal and annual life history events such as reproduction, juvenile development, and Millar, C.I., R.D. Westfall, and D.L. Delany. haying. Temperature increases will be less at higher elevations and 2016. Thermal components of American pikas may be able to shift their range up in elevation to some extent pika habitat – How does a small on the Forest, but this will be severely limited as they presumably lagomorph encounter climate? Arctic, already occupy some of the highest elevations there (IDFG 2017). Antarctic, and Alpine Research 48(2): pp. 327-343. Two alternative classes of direct heat stress may affect the Moyer-Horner, L., E. A. Beever, D. persistence of pika populations: 1) acute heat stress (number of days Johnson, M. Biel, and J. Belt. 2016. above a warm threshold temperature and 2) chronic heat stress (such Predictors of Current and Longer-Term as average summer temperature) (Beever et al. 2010). But there is Patterns of Abundance of American Pikas some evidence of the pika’s resilience to warming temperatures, (Ochotona princeps) across a Leading-Edge although the nature of this resilience varies according to landscape Protected Area. PLoS ONE11(11): context (Halofsky et al. 2018). Although not tolerant of high heat, e0167051. pikas have recently been found to occur at lower elevations than https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.016 previously thought, suggesting a broader range of temperature 7051. tolerance (Beever et al. 2008; Halofsky et al. 2018; Millar and Westfall
2010). Flexibility in foraging and thermoregulatory behavior may Muir, M., Luce, C. H., Gurrieri, J. T., allow some populations to make use of suitable microclimates (e.g., lava tubes, talus interstices) in seemingly unsuitable landscapes Matyjasik, M., Bruggink, J. L., Weems, S. L., (Beever et al. 2017). Hurja, J. C., Marr, D. B., Leahy, S. D. 2018. Chapter 4: Effects of Climate Change on Pikas are expected to be most vulnerable on isolated mountaintops Hydrology, Soil, and Water Resources, pp. and at low elevations where they are already at their physiological 126-198, In Halofsky, J. E., Peterson, D. L.,
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
tolerance and primary productivity is expected to decline (Friggens et Ho, J. J., Little, N. J., and Joyce, L. A., al. 2018). Therefore, populations in the southern Great Basin are the editors. Climate Change Vulnerability and most vulnerable of those that occur in the IAP region, whereas more Adaptation in the Intermountain northern populations, like those occurring on the Salmon-Challis, may Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-xxx. be fairly resilient. Across the species’ range, resilient populations are U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest likely to occur in locations that support loosely arranged rocks (rock- Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, ice features, lava tubes) and deep rock features, and are in proximity Fort Collins, CO. to wetlands or other high-quality forage (Millar and Westfall 2010). As noted in Criterion 6, barren rock and alpine mesic meadows are Otto, H. W., J. A. Wilson, and E. A. Beever. available on the Forest. 2015. Facing a changing world: Thermal physiology of American pikas (Ochotona Long-term fire suppression on the SCNF could continue to impact princeps). Western North American pika habitat by promoting conifer encroachment into alpine areas, Naturalist, 75(4): 429-445. and this effect may be compounded by change in climate. Fire suppression has also increased the severity, extent, and frequency of Padgett, W.G., M.C. Reeves, S.G. Kitchen, fires on the Forest due to fuel build up (USFS 2017a), which may have D.L. Tart, J.C. Chambers, D. Howell, M.E. both positive and negative effects on pikas. In the short term, Manning, and J.G. Proctor. 2018. Chapter wildfires sometimes open up previously forested talus patches. Fires 7: Effects of climate change on non- also stimulate herbaceous growth and may reduce predation forested vegetation types. In Halofsky, J.E., pressure, leading to site colonization, re-colonization, and increased D.L. Peterson, J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, abundance of pikas over time. However, fires may promote the editors. 2018. Climate change vulnerability establishment of non-native plants adjacent to taluses, which would and adaptation in the Intermountain reduce the quality of forage (Moyer-Horner 2016). Fire types on Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-xxx. alpine and barren rock areas of the Forest mainly are unburnable or Fort Collins, CO: US Department of surface fires. If fire intensity increases due to the combined effects of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky fire suppression and a changing climate, more severe fires could Mountain Research Station. Xxx p. negatively impact pika habitat. Reeves, M. C., A. L. Moreno, K. E. Bagne, Annual net primary productivity on a broad scale, as a measure of and S. W. Running. 2014. Estimating forage quantity, may be enhanced by carbon dioxide fertilization in climate change effects on net primary
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
more northerly regions (Reeves et al. 2014), and therefore could production of rangelands in the United increase forage for pikas. However, changing temperatures and States. Climatic Change. 126: 429–442. precipitation may cause non-alpine plant species to out-compete alpine species within pika habitat (Padgett et al. 2018). If these new Riahi, K., S. Roa, V. Krey, C. Cho, V. species are not palatable to pikas, they would reduce forage quality. Chirkov, G. Fischer, G. Kindermann, N. Warmer temperatures may increase productivity in alpine mesic Nakicenovic, and P. Rafaj. 2011. RCP 8.5 – meadows, and therefore increase forage for pikas (Padgett et al. A scenario of campartively high 2018). greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change 109:33-57. doi:10.1007/s10584-011-0149- Considering the impacts of a changing climate on pika populations y. and habitat, substantial modification of habitat is anticipated with
conditions departing from the natural range of variation (Rank A). USFS (United States Department of Confidence is moderated by uncertainty in the magnitude of changes Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017a. in climate and impacts on ecosystems and species. Pikas on the Salmon–Challis National Forest Data Forest may exhibit some resilience to changing climatic conditions. Assessment, Terrestrial Ecosystems Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Section (Draft). ____ (U.S. Forest Service). 2018b. Salmon- Challis National Forest: Historical April 1 SWE,1975-2005. National Forest Climate Change Maps: Your Guide to the Future. Internet website: https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/AWAE/pr ojects/national-forest-climate-change- maps.html. Access 1/25/2018.
____ (U.S. Forest Service). 2018c. Salmon- Challis National Forest: Change in Annual Average Temperature, historical to 2080s RCP8.5. National Forest Climate Change
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Maps: Your Guide to the Future. Internet website: https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/AWAE/pr ojects/national-forest-climate-change- maps.html. Access 1/25/2018.
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8 A The American pika is relatively long-lived for a small mammal (120– IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Life History and 175 g)— many pikas live 3-4 years, and some may live up to 6 or 7 Game). 2017. Idaho State Wildlife Action Demographics years. In some areas, females initiate two litters per year, but it is Plan, 2015. Boise, ID. most common for only one litter to be weaned successfully (NatureServe 2017). The average litter size at birth ranges from 2.3– Beever, E. A., P. F. Brussard, and J. Berger. 3.7 (range 1–5 young), but most females only successfully wean two 2003. Patterns of apparent extirpation (or at the most three) young per year (Smith and Beever 2016). among isolated populations of pikas (Ochotona princeps) in the great basin. The average annual mortality rate of American pikas is 37%–53% Journal of Mammalogy 84(1): 37-54. (Peri 2012). Mortality rates are highest among juveniles, who must claim a vacant territory to survive the winter. Higher probability of Halofsky, J. E., D. L. Peterson, J. J. Ho, N. J. persistence in Great Basin populations was correlated with greater Little, L. A. Joyce. 2018. Climate change area of talus habitat at local and mountain-range scales, higher vulnerability and adaptation in the elevation, more easterly longitude, more southerly latitude, lack of Intermountain Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. livestock grazing, greater distance to primary roads, and wilderness RMRS-GTR20 xxx. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. management (Beever et al. 2003). Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
American pikas are moderately camouflaged and when a potential Rocky Mountain Research Station. xxx p. predator is detected, they emit an alarm-call informing the rest of the NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: community of its presence. Small predators consist of long-tailed An online encyclopedia of life [web weasels and ermines. Large predators, such as coyotes, are especially application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, adept at capturing juveniles who are not quick enough to escape. Arlington, Virginia. Internet website: Golden eagles also feed on American pikas, but their impact is http://explorer.natureserve.org. Accessed minimal (Peri 2012). on September 8, 2017.
Pikas have a relatively high body temperature and a relatively low Peri, A. 2012. Ochotona princeps. Animal upper lethal temperature; thus, they have very little flexibility with Diversity Web. Internet website: regard to physiological temperature regulation. This temperature http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ocho sensitivity puts pikas at high risk to short- and long-term temperature tona_princeps/. Accessed on November fluctuations. 28, 2017.
Pikas are generalized herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, Smith, A.T. and Beever, E. 2016. Ochotona sedges, and forbs, sometimes shoots of woody vegetation princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened (NatureServe 2017). Pikas generally choose plants that are higher in Species 2016: Internet website: water content, protein, and select micronutrients. Because they do http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41267/ not hibernate, pikas must collect and store a food cache during 0. Accessed on November 27, 2017. summer to serve as food during winter. The timing of caching is related to the plants available at any given altitude, gender (males generally initiate earlier), and age (adults begin before juveniles) (Smith and Beever 2016). Because pikas are active year-round they may be able to take advantage of longer growing seasons due to a changing climate (Halofsky et al. 2018).
Considering the pika’s low reproductive rate, high mortality rates among juveniles, and physiological constraints, the species probably has a low ability to recover from disturbance (Rank A).
Species (Scientific and Common Name): Ochotona princeps (American pika)
Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Summary and recommendations: Date: 9/11/17 Due to its abundance and widespread distribution, the IUCN lists the American Pika as a species of least concern; other statewide and rangewide conservation assessments also indicate limited concern for the species persistence. However, global populations are thought to be decreasing; population trends on the Forest are unknown. Pikas are strongly associated with alpine habitats and are commonly found in rock outcrops and talus slopes at high elevation. Stable amounts of suitable habitat likely exist on the Forest because alpine areas receive low levels of human disturbance and habitat protections. The ability to escape summer heat appears to be limiting and flexibility in thermoregulatory behavior may allow some populations to make use of temperature refugium in seemingly unsuitable landscapes. Thus, although American pika and their habitat are highly vulnerable to climate warming, the species is projected to persist where refugium from extreme temperatures exist within proximity to quality forage. In addition, although not tolerant of high heat, pikas have recently been found to occur at lower elevations than previously thought, suggesting a broader range of temperature tolerance. These factors do not indicate substantial concern for the capability of the species to persist over the long-term on the Salmon-Challis, and the American pika is not recommended as an SCC. Evaluator(s): Lindsay Chipman and Mary Friberg