Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 14 14 Although species of the pika have been steadily disappearing from mountain ranges for thousands of years, scientists have seen a sudden drop in population numbers since the turn of the twentieth century. In addition, scientists are seeing pika popu- lations become more and more isolated to individual mountain ranges. High temperatures in valleys make migrating a death sentence for the animals—in fact, scientists have concluded that the pika will spend its entire life within a half-mile radius. Rapid disappearance of the alpine ecosystem above treeline in Glacier National Park has devastating consequences for the glacier lily, the pygmy poppy, and the pika. Each year, temperatures rise slightly, another glacier disappears, another poppy fails to germinate and another pika dies. However, there are measures that can be taken to thwart the effects thawing glaciers have on alpine ecosystems. Groundbreaking research combining biochemistry, genetics, and resource management could help scientists better understand why these habitats are dissipating and what we can do to save them. So what can you do to defend alpine ecosystems? When out hiking, stay on the trail—many rare plants take years to grow in the harsh high altitude habitats. When you trample one plant, you may also cause erosion—the destruction or diminu- tion of topsoil—which can hurt many more plants than the one you just stepped on. When enjoying a picnic lunch atop a mountain peak, remember to clean up after yourself. Inten- tional and accidental feeding of wildlife causes those animals to lose essential survival skills in favor of human food. Just remember, the next time you're in Glacier National Park, you may save a life by doing your part to preserve the poppies, pikas, and lilies. SMALL MAMMALS IN ALPINE ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS THE PIKA ARE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST AS AMONG THE FIRST TO GO EXTINCT DUE TO CLIMACTIC CHANGE. Granite Park provides sweeping vistas of what is known as "The Garden Wall" because of its colorful grasses, shrubs, and wildfl owers. The Glacier Lily blooms early in the summer season as temperatures rise along Logan Pass. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 See more about pikas and climate change www.distinctlymontana.com/pikas152 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL

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