This Rare Animal Looks Just Like A Teddy Bear, But Is Even More Endangered Than A Panda

Aug 20, 2018 by apost team

The furry mammal is called Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis) and was discovered far away in an isolated area of northwestern China's mountains in 1983. Once you see the animal scurrying about, you will fall in love. It's small and super cute and looks just like a Teddy bear, but there's a major problem with the rare wildlife species. 

There aren't too many of these Teddy bear lookalikes left, so it is a truly endangered species. According to Li Weidong, who discovered the adorable creature, only about 1,000 remain in existence. Li is estimating that the animal isn't surviving well and has seen a decline of up to 70-percent since 1983. Even the beloved Panda bear outnumbers the Ili Pika in survival species rates.

The Ili Pika has been described as being about 8 inches long, with large ears and several small brown spots sprinkled upon its gray fur. These little mammals enjoy nibbling on grasses, herbs and other mountain vegetation. The species is also found in North America and survives as a high-dwelling creature.

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Although the Teddy bear cuteness is evident when you see videos and photos of the adorable critter, the furry animal also resembles a rabbit. Since 1983, the Ili Pika was not spotted too often, but in 2014, scientists rediscovered the rare animal species.

The animal needs to be scientifically accounted for, says Li, but for the longest time, there was zero research or any organization to have the animal's back. That is when Li, a naturalist and scientist in China, stepped forward and used his personal funds to help research and track the species. Twenty-three-thousand dollars later, and Li continues to try and bring attention to the little creature's plight.

The World Wildlife Fund for Nature sometimes hands Li and his volunteers grants to keep studying the Ili Pika. However, Li fears that the animal doesn't get enough respect and is vulnerable to eventually becoming extinct. He recommends someone out there develop a nature reserve for the furry animal species sooner than later.

Li is getting older and won't be strong enough to climb the Tianshan Mountains where the Ili Pika resides for long. That is why he is urgent about the world coming forward and helping this beautiful mammal maintain its rightful spot in the animal kingdom.

Li is getting older and won't be strong forever to climb the Tianshan Mountains where the Ili Pika resides. That is why he is urgent about the world coming forward and helping this beautiful mammal maintain its rightful spot in the animal kingdom.

You have to admit, this little critter is too cute, and a lot more needs to be done to ensure it's safety and natural propagation.

What do you think of the small pika species?

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