May, 06 2009, 01:24pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Greg Loarie or Brian Smith, Earthjustice, (510) 550-6725
Shaye Wolf, Center for Biological Diversity, (415) 632-5301; cell (415) 385-5746
American Pika Advances Toward Endangered Species Act Protection
Small Alpine Mammal Imperiled by Global Warming
SAN FRANCISCO
The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it is launching a
full status review to determine whether the American pika, a small,
alpine-dwelling relative of the rabbit that is imperiled by global
warming, warrants
the protections of the Endangered Species Act.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it is launching a
full status review to determine whether the American pika, a small,
alpine-dwelling relative of the rabbit that is imperiled by global
warming, warrants
the protections of the Endangered Species Act.
The decision comes in response to a scientific
petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity in October
2007 seeking protection for the species, followed by an August 2008
lawsuit against the Service for failing to respond to
the petition.
petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity in October
2007 seeking protection for the species, followed by an August 2008
lawsuit against the Service for failing to respond to
the petition.
The decision, which will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, is available here: https://www.earthjustice.org/library/legal_docs/pika-90-day.pdf
American pika (National Park Service)
As a result of today's decision, the pika will
become the first mammal considered for protection under the Act due to
global warming in the continental United States outside of Alaska. The
Service's decision comes under court order 16 months
after the legal deadline. The Service is now required to decide whether
the pika will be designated as an endangered species by February 1,
2010.
become the first mammal considered for protection under the Act due to
global warming in the continental United States outside of Alaska. The
Service's decision comes under court order 16 months
after the legal deadline. The Service is now required to decide whether
the pika will be designated as an endangered species by February 1,
2010.
"We are pleased that the Fish and Wildlife Service
has decided to take the pika's plight seriously," said Greg Loarie, an
attorney with Earthjustice, which is representing the Center in the
case. "The pika's shrinking habitat is a harbinger
of what may happen to many species if we don't address global warming
now."
has decided to take the pika's plight seriously," said Greg Loarie, an
attorney with Earthjustice, which is representing the Center in the
case. "The pika's shrinking habitat is a harbinger
of what may happen to many species if we don't address global warming
now."
In related news involving the pika, San Francisco
Superior Court Judge Peter Busch ruled from the Bench on April 16, 2009
that the California Fish and Game Commission violated state law when it
rejected last spring a petition authored by
the Center for Biological Diversity to list pika as threatened or
endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. The ruling will
send the state pika petition back to the Commission for reconsideration.
Superior Court Judge Peter Busch ruled from the Bench on April 16, 2009
that the California Fish and Game Commission violated state law when it
rejected last spring a petition authored by
the Center for Biological Diversity to list pika as threatened or
endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. The ruling will
send the state pika petition back to the Commission for reconsideration.
The American pika (Ochotona princeps) lives
in boulder fields near mountain peaks in the western United States.
Adapted to cold alpine conditions, pikas are intolerant of high
temperatures and can die from overheating when exposed
to temperatures as low as 78 degrees Fahrenheit for just a few hours.
Global warming threatens pikas by exposing them to heat stress,
lowering food availability in the mountain meadows where they forage,
reducing the amount of time when they can gather food,
and reducing the insulating snowpack during winter.
in boulder fields near mountain peaks in the western United States.
Adapted to cold alpine conditions, pikas are intolerant of high
temperatures and can die from overheating when exposed
to temperatures as low as 78 degrees Fahrenheit for just a few hours.
Global warming threatens pikas by exposing them to heat stress,
lowering food availability in the mountain meadows where they forage,
reducing the amount of time when they can gather food,
and reducing the insulating snowpack during winter.
Rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gas
pollution have already led to dramatic losses of lower-elevation pika
populations. More than a third of documented pika populations in the
Great Basin mountains of Nevada and Oregon have gone
extinct in the past century as temperatures warm, and those that remain
are found an average of 900 feet further upslope. According to climate
experts, temperatures in the western United States in this century will
increase at least twice as much as they did
in the past century. This could eliminate the pika from large regions
of the American West.
pollution have already led to dramatic losses of lower-elevation pika
populations. More than a third of documented pika populations in the
Great Basin mountains of Nevada and Oregon have gone
extinct in the past century as temperatures warm, and those that remain
are found an average of 900 feet further upslope. According to climate
experts, temperatures in the western United States in this century will
increase at least twice as much as they did
in the past century. This could eliminate the pika from large regions
of the American West.
"As temperatures rise, pika populations at lower
elevations are being driven to extinction, pushing pikas further
upslope until they have nowhere left to go," said Shaye Wolf, a
biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "Pikas
are in urgent need of the protections of the federal and state
Endangered Species Acts, which have a proven track record of success in
protecting imperiled wildlife."
elevations are being driven to extinction, pushing pikas further
upslope until they have nowhere left to go," said Shaye Wolf, a
biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "Pikas
are in urgent need of the protections of the federal and state
Endangered Species Acts, which have a proven track record of success in
protecting imperiled wildlife."
In the 90-day finding, the Service agreed that global warming threatens the pika, stating:
"Based on the results
of these empirical studies, along with predictions of declining
climatic habitat suitability, we find that the range of the American
pika and the habitat within the range are likely to decrease
as surface temperatures increase. ...Therefore, we find that the
petitioner presents substantial information to indicate that listing
the American pika may be warranted as a threatened or endangered
species due to the present or threatened destruction, modification,
or curtailment of its range due to impacts attributed to climate
change."
of these empirical studies, along with predictions of declining
climatic habitat suitability, we find that the range of the American
pika and the habitat within the range are likely to decrease
as surface temperatures increase. ...Therefore, we find that the
petitioner presents substantial information to indicate that listing
the American pika may be warranted as a threatened or endangered
species due to the present or threatened destruction, modification,
or curtailment of its range due to impacts attributed to climate
change."
Pika Facts:
- Pikas live in boulder fields surrounded by meadows on mountain
peaks. They avoid the summer heat by seeking the cool crevices under
the boulders and by remaining inactive during warm periods. - Pikas
do not hibernate during the long, cold, snowy winters at high
elevations, but remain under boulder piles protected by their dense,
insulating coat of fur. The dense coat that protects them in winter
makes them vulnerable to heat stroke during the
summer months. - Pikas spend summers diligently gathering
flowers and grasses and store them in "haypiles" for food to sustain
them through the long winters. These "boulder bunnies," which weigh
only a third of a pound, must collect more than 60 pounds of vegetation
to
survive the winter. - Pikas are not only threatened by rising
temperatures in the summer, but also by the loss of the insulating
snowpack in the winter, which leaves them exposed to cold snaps.
For further information on the pika visit: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/American_pika/index.html
Photo and Video:
High-resolution photo available for print stories here:
B-roll available for broadcast. View lo-res version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpJ2Q63GC3M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpJ2Q63GC3M
Contact Brian Smith, Earthjustice press office, (510) 550-6714
At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.
(520) 623-5252LATEST NEWS
AOC Won't Seek Oversight Role: 'Underlying Dynamics in the Caucus Have Not Shifted'
"I believe I'll be staying put at Energy and Commerce," the progressive congresswoman said.
May 05, 2025
This is a breaking story… Please check back for possible updates...
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ended a week of speculation on Monday by announcing that she will not seek the ranking member position on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The New York Democrat, who last year ran for ranking member and lost to Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), told reporters, "It's actually clear to me that the underlying dynamics in the caucus have not shifted with respect to seniority as much as I think would be necessary, so I believe I'll be staying put at Energy and Commerce."
Ocasio-Cortez has recently been crisscrossing the country with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for his Fighting Oligarchy Tour. Nationally, the 35-year-old progressive is seen as a possible primary challenger to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and even a potential future presidential candidate.
Politico's Nicholas Wu noted last week that if Ocasio-Cortez declined to run for the committee post, "a number of young, ambitious members could mount bids, including Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Ro Khanna of California, Maxwell Frost of Florida, and Robert Garcia of California."
Connolly, now 75, sought the House leadership role despite an esophageal cancer diagnosis he disclosed in November. Last Monday, he said in a letter to constituents that "I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights—both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy."
"When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency," Connolly continued. "After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace."
"The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress," he added. "I will be stepping back as ranking member of the Oversight Committee soon. With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we've accomplished together over 30 years. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family—you all have been a joy to serve."
The panel's far-right chair, James Comer (R-Ky.), said in response to last week's announcement that "I'm saddened to hear that Ranking Member Connolly's cancer has returned. He is a steadfast public servant who has spent his career serving Northern Virginians with honor and integrity. It's an honor to serve the American people alongside him and I am rooting for him as he battles cancer once again. Our prayers are with Ranking Member Connolly and his family."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Trump Ally Bukele Reportedly Set to Arrest Journalists Who Revealed His Secret Pact With Gangs
One critic said the Salvadoran president "wants to silence" the acclaimed digital news site El Faro "because they're shattering the myths of the Bukele administration."
May 05, 2025
An internationally acclaimed digital news outlet in El Salvador said Monday that the administration of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele is preparing to arrest a number of its journalists following the publication of an interview with two former gang leaders who shed new light on a power-sharing agreement with the U.S.-backed leader and self-described "world's coolest dictator."
"A reliable source in El Salvador told El Faro that the Bukele-controlled Attorney General's Office is preparing at least seven arrest warrants for members of El Faro," the outlet reported. "The source reached out following the publication of an interview with two former leaders of the 18th Street Revolucionarios on Bukele's yearslong relationship to gangs."
"If carried out, the warrants are the first time in decades that prosecutors seek to press charges against individual journalists for their journalistic labors," El Faro added.
Bukele responded to the interview in a Friday evening post on the social media site X that read in part, "It's clear that a country at peace, without deaths, without extortion, without bloodshed, without corpses every day, without mothers mourning their children, is not profitable for human rights NGOs, nor for the globalist media, nor for the elites, nor for [George] Soros."
While the pact between Bukele and gang leaders is well-known in El Salvador, El Faro—which has long been a thorn in the president's side—was the first media outlet to air video of gangsters acknowledging the agreement.
As El Faro reported:
At the heart of the threat of arrests is irony: El Faro was only able to interview the two Revolucionarios because they escaped El Salvador with the complicity of Bukele.
One, who goes by "Liro Man," recounts that he was taken to Guatemala, through a blind spot in the Salvadoran border, by Bukele gang negotiator Carlos Marroquín; the other, Carlos Cartagena, or "Charli," was arrested on a warrant in April 2022, early in the state of exception, but quickly released after the police received a call at the station and backed off.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Salvadorans were being rounded up without due process, on charges of belonging to gangs.
The video interview explains the dichotomy: For years, Salvadoran gang leaders cut covert deals with the entourage of Nayib Bukele. In their interview with El Faro, the two Revolucionarios say the FMLN party, to which the now-president belonged a decade ago, paid a quarter of a million dollars to the gangs during the 2014 campaign in exchange for vote coercion in gang-controlled communities, on behalf of Bukele for San Salvador mayor and Salvador Sánchez Cerén as president.
"This support, the sources say, was key to Bukele's ascent to power," El Faro noted. "'You're going to tell your mom and your wife's family that they have to vote for Nayib. If you don't do it, we'll kill them,' Liro Man says the gang members told their communities in that election. Of Bukele, he added, 'he knew he had to get to the gangs in order to get to where he is.'"
Part of the deal was a tacit "no body, no crime" policy under which gang leaders agreed to hide their victims' corpses as Bukele boasted of a historic reduction in homicides in a country once known as the world's murder capital.
"We've wanted to talk about this for a long time, for the simple reason that the government beats their chests and says, 'We're anti-gang, we don't want this scourge,'" Liro Man told El Faro. "But they forgot that they made a deal with us, and you were the first to get this out."
In an ironic twist, the Trump administration deported gang members from the U.S. to El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center prison who faced federal indictments that could have resulted in their testifying in court about the pact with Bukele.
Responding to the possible arrest warrants for El Faro staffers, Argentinian journalist Eliezer Budasoff said on social media Sunday that "it's clear" that El Salvador's leader "wants to silence" the outlet "because they're shattering the myths of the Bukele administration, simply with more journalism."
The Bukele administration's attacks on El Faro include falsely accusing the outlet of money laundering and tax evasion, banning its reporters from press briefings, and surveilling its staffers with Pegasus spyware. El Faro has remained steadfast in the face of these and other actions.
"Every citizen must decide for themselves whether they want to be informed, or whether they prefer the blind loyalty this administration has demanded of its supporters since its first day in power," the outlet's editors wrote in 2022. "We don't have that choice. Our job is to report. We can't change the news, and we never will."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Michigan AG Drops Charges Against Pro-Palestinian Campus Protesters
"Our First Amendment rights should never be criminalized. Speaking up against genocide should be lifted up, not slammed with felony charges. Palestinians deserve safety and dignity," said Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
May 05, 2025
Advocates for student protesters and other critics of the U.S.-backed Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip celebrated on Monday after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped all charges against seven people arrested last year at the University of Michigan amid allegations of bias that the Democrat rejected.
"When my office made the decision to issue charges of trespassing, and resisting and obstructing a police officer, in this matter, we did so based on the evidence and facts of the case. I stand by those charges and that determination," Nessel said in a statement. She then took aim at Ann Arbor District Judge Cedric Simpson.
"Despite months and months of court hearings, the court has yet to make a determination on whether probable cause was demonstrated that the defendants committed these crimes, and if so, to bind the case over to circuit court for trial, which is the primary obligation of the district court for any felony offense," she said. "During this time, the case has become a lightning rod of contention."
Nessel is Jewish, and on May 2, the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor submitted to the court a letter defending her against accusations of bias. The attorney general cited the letter in her new statement.
"Baseless and absurd allegations of bias have only furthered this divide," Nessel said. "The motion for recusal has been a diversionary tactic which has only served to further delay the proceedings. And now, we have learned that a public statement in support of my office from a local nonprofit has been directly communicated to the court. The impropriety of this action has led us to the difficult decision to drop these charges."
"These distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere to these proceedings," she continued. "While I stand by my charging decisions, and believe, based on the evidence, a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty of the crimes alleged, I no longer believe these cases to be a prudent use of my department's resources, and, as such, I have decided to dismiss the cases."
The defendants—Oliver Kozler, Samantha Lewis, Henry MacKeen-Shapiro, Michael Mueller, Asad Siddiqui, Avi Tachna-Fram, and Rhiannon Willow—had pleaded not guilty. The Detroit Free Pressreported that one of Nessel's deputies, Robyn Liddell, made the motion to dismiss the case and the defendants "hugged each other, smiled, and posed for a photo with their attorneys in the courtroom."
According to the newspaper:
The courtroom was packed with spectators, many of them wearing keffiyehs. They burst into applause at the decision and began chants of "Free Palestine."
Amir Makled, who represented Lewis, said the charges never should have been brought.
"This was not about trespass, this was not about a felony conduct," Makled said. "This was the criminalization of free speech, and today, the state of Michigan agrees."
State Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-26) said on social media Monday: "This is great news. It takes courage to stand up for what is right. The charges should have never been pursued in the first place. I'm glad the students maintained their innocence and didn't accept a plea deal."
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) similarly declared, "Good news for our university student communities!"
"Our First Amendment rights should never be criminalized," added Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress. "Speaking up against genocide should be lifted up, not slammed with felony charges. Palestinians deserve safety and dignity."
Union organizer Anne Elias said that "this prosecution was wrong and I think public pressure on Dana Nessel worked. I feel such relief for our students and community members, as this was a complete surprise for them today."
"[Democrats] largely own this mess, and we must identify the political entanglements—[especially] with President Ono resigning," Elias added, referring to Santa Ono, who is on track to leave his post at the University of Michigan to lead the University of Florida.
In addition to coming under fire for this case, Nessel was criticized late last month for raids of pro-Palestine student organizers' homes that her office said were "not related to protest activity on the campus of the University of Michigan," but "in furtherance of our investigation into multijurisdictional acts of vandalism."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Most Popular