The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is a habitat specialist that generally requires high elevation talus habitat and associated grassy feeding areas. In Utah, the pika is found in the high mountains from Bear Lake and Uinta mountains in northern Utah to the Dixie National Forest and the La Sal mountain range in the southern part of the state. Due to the natural isolation of mountain ranges, inter-population dispersal is likely minimal and 4 of 5 subspecies of pikas occur in Utah , including the endemic O. p. unita (Hafner and Smith 2010). Work by UDWR and other states and researchers has found widespread, resilient populations, yet other work has reported declines attributed to climate change including a highly publicized publication claiming extinctions at Zion and Cedar Breaks National Parks (Beever et al. 2016). Although the species was found not-warranted for ESA listing in 2010, additional petitions have been submitted and the species is a frequent target of species advocacy groups. We completed monitoring surveys employing multiple visits at randomly selected sites in predicted pika habitat during 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. The estimated probability of occupancy of sites was high (see attachment) and we were able to document pikas in all historically recorded mountain ranges in the state. We also expanded the known distribution to some lower-elevation sites in atypical habitat. Because of the high and stable occupancy, we have increased the interval between survey periods from three to six years- thus survey should be completed during the summer of 2023. UDWR data has also been incorporated into other research demonstrating resilience of pika populations in the Great Basin. Although the results from the research is encouraging, given the current interest, it is essential to continue our commitment to pika monitoring to ensure populations in Utah are not experiencing the purported extinctions. Just as importantly, if we were to detect declining populations, we would have the information required to take actions to help protect the species. For example, determining where and when reintroductions to unoccupied patches may be a viable management option.

The goal of this project is to implement a biologically and statistically sound statewide pika protocol that will provide information on pika status and trend. Specific objectives are to: 1. Determine pika occupancy, colonization, and extinction rates based on monitoring plots to document trend over time and establish baseline measures of variability. 2. Clarify pika distributions in Southeastern Utah. 3. Identify any site specific threats and determine actions to ameliorate them. 4. Where logistically feasible, conduct additional surveys for alpine species such as black rosy-finches, dwarf shrews, boreal toads, and white-tailed ptarmigans.

Ultimately, the goal is to keep pikas common and generate data that would support a "not-warranted" finding when it is re- petitioned or specific subspecies are petitioned. Through past surveys, we have expanded the known range of pikas in the state, and provided occupancy estimates showing them to be quite common in suitable habitat. Continued monitoring will allow us to determine is climate change is potentially causing declines in the distribution and abundance of the species in Utah. If detected, we can develop and implement adaptation plans to ensure the species' persistence. We will also share our results and any concerns with Forest Service biologist and work with them to implement habitat protection and/or enhancement measures where necessary.

Implementing the monitoring protocol directly addresses threats to pikas identified in the Wildlife Action Plan. The vast majority of pika habitat occurs on Forest Service managed lands, and this project is consistent with and can help to guide their management plans.

In past years, pika surveys have documented conifer encroachment in talus habitats. We will identify areas where fuels work could benefit pikas.

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UDWR has the authority to complete the project. We will work with Zion NP and Cedar Breaks NM for access permissions.

We will conduct surveys for pikas statewide following the established occupancy-based monitoring protocol. We will re-visit the 158 suitable sites previously visitedbetween July and October 2023. A trained observer will conduct a 30 minute search of the plot and record any pika sign encountered (e.g., visuals, vocals, fresh haypiles, and fresh scats). Occupancy analysis will be completed using program Presence.

Pika monitoring has already been incorporated into the UDWR wildlife biologists' work plans and pika monitoring protocol implementation will be a priority every six years.

Pika are a species of interest to U. S. Forest Service and NPS. Biologists from both agencies have expressed interest in improved data concerning pika occurrence and distribution.

Pika monitoring has already been incorporated into the UDWR wildlife biologists' work plans and pika monitoring protocol implementation will be a priority every six years.

American pikas have been documented on most ski resorts in Utah including Alta, Beaver Mountain, Brian Head, Brighton, Eagle Point, Park City, Snowbird, Solitude, and Sundance. Periodic monitoring will demonstrate the compatibility of ski infrastructure and pika conservation. Concerns have also been raised concerning the impacts of mountain goat introductions on pika populations, and this data can be uses to address those concerns.