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Review
. 2023 Jan;18(1):110-128.
doi: 10.1111/1749-4877.12615. Epub 2022 Jan 21.

The pikas of China: a review of current research priorities and challenges for conservation

Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
  • 2 Eco-Bridge Continental, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
  • 3 Marwell Wildlife, Winchester, Hampshire, UK.
Review

The pikas of China: a review of current research priorities and challenges for conservation

Joseph P Lambert et al. Integr Zool. 2023 Jan.
. 2023 Jan;18(1):110-128.
doi: 10.1111/1749-4877.12615. Epub 2022 Jan 21.

Affiliations

  • 1 Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
  • 2 Eco-Bridge Continental, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
  • 3 Marwell Wildlife, Winchester, Hampshire, UK.

Abstract

Of the approximately 30 extant species of pika (Ochotona; Ochotonidae; Lagomorpha), at least 23 occur in China. Of these, 8 are endemic, and 3 are classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Research into most Chinese species is scarce, and there is much to learn about basic aspects of their ecology. We reviewed the literature on the 23 Chinese Ochotona species, with the aim of highlighting knowledge gaps and biases in research allocation. Specifically, we identify (1) which pika species receive the most attention from researchers, (2) which topics are the most frequently studied, and (3) how well research satisfies conservation priorities. We covered a total of 879 articles, most of which were written in English or Chinese. Around 75% of all publications focused on the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae. Seven species were represented by 10 or fewer publications each. Endangered and endemic species were particularly poorly represented. 204 papers treated pikas as a pest, while 13 studied conservation issues. Nine species were considered possible targets for pest control, including some poorly known endemics. We make some recommendations on how research into Chinese Ochotona could be improved, including: (1) recognizing that the current species-level taxonomy may be an ineffective way to prioritize conservation research in Ochotona, (2) directing more research toward threatened and endemic species, subspecies, and populations, (3) researching the ecosystem engineering effects of pikas, (4) collecting basic data on natural history of the many understudied species, and (5) researching threats, including climate change and pest control campaigns.

Keywords: Lagomorpha; Ochotona; conservation; prioritization; research allocation.

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References

REFERENCES

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    1. Badingqiuying, Smith AT, Senko J, Siladan MU (2016). Plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae poisoning campaign reduces carnivore abundance in southern Qinghai, China. Mammal Study 41, 1-8.
    1. Bagchi S, Namgail T, Ritchie ME (2006). Small mammalian herbivores as mediators of plant community dynamics in the high-altitude arid rangelands of Trans-Himalaya. Biological Conservation 127, 438-42.

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