Making Hay While the Sun Shines 2017
Species illustrated: American Pika (Ochotona princeps)
American Pikas are found above treeline in the mountains of western North America. Like their relatives the rabbits and hares, they do not hibernate and therefore spend their summer harvesting grass to make hay for the winter. They are an important food source for a variety of alpine predators and are also “ecosystem engineers,” promoting plant diversity through their foraging activities. Because of their adaptation to cold environments, they are doing poorly in the face of climate change.
24x24 Oil on canvas
American Pikas are found above treeline in the mountains of western North America. Like their relatives the rabbits and hares, they do not hibernate and therefore spend their summer harvesting grass to make hay for the winter. They are an important food source for a variety of alpine predators and are also “ecosystem engineers,” promoting plant diversity through their foraging activities. Because of their adaptation to cold environments, they are doing poorly in the face of climate change.
24x24 Oil on canvas
All sizes are measured in inches. All art is original.