Sardinian Pika

The name pika appears to be derived from the Tungusic piika, which means for this species of any member of animal name.

The full skeletal structure of the Sardinian pika was reconstructed in 1967, thanks to the numerous finds of bones in Corbeddu Cave, which is near Oliena, Sardinia. Some years later, from these remains, the same researchers led by the American paleontologist Mary R. Dawson was able to create a plaster reconstruction with good accuracy, and provide a thorough description of the skeleton's morphology published in 1969. The Sardinian pika was probably much stockier and more robust than extant species of pikas, and it probably resembled a sort of cross between a large wild rabbit and a pika. The first articulated skeletons of Sardinian pika were reported in 2016.

The Sardinian pika weighed about 504–525 g (17.8–18.5 oz). This is more than its ancestor Prolagus figaro, which is the only other member of Prolagus that was found in Sardinia and weighed about 398–436 g (14.0–15.4 oz), and is larger than most mainland species of Prolagus.

Compared to mainland species of Prolagus, the Sardinian pika had larger and more hypsodont (high crowned) teeth. The Sardinian pika experienced anagenic evolution, with an increasing body size and shifting dental morphology over time.

Over rocky terrain, the Sardinian Pika demonstrated exceptional agility and jumping abilities. This pika was not a good swimmer; it probably stayed out of deep water, although it could float a short distance if needed. This pika was very good at digging burrows and had good vision and hearing for spotting predators. The Sardinian pika was a tunneling pika that could reach great concentrations, according to anecdotal evidence.

It's not known to attack, so nothing too drastic. The most popular is a high-pitched shriek or scream. Some have likened its distress call to a piglet's cry. This sound is produced when experiencing extreme discomfort, like being ensnared by a trap or predator.

Up until very recently, the Sardinian Pika had a small population that resided in Sardinia's middle mountains, however there is no proof of this. This species consumed grasses, leaves, herbs, and possibly bark because it was herbivorous. This species' ecological function is to regulate plant development and serve as prey for island predators. Birds of prey and mammals brought in after humans (such dogs and cats) are their main predators.

Reproduction

• Breeding: Likely seasonal, similar to modern pikas.

• Litter size: Estimated 2–4 young per litter.

• Maturity: Probably reached sexual maturity within a year.

Not much; the rest of the fluffle, or colony of pikas, fled from predators that were pursuing them, and they hopped away from attacks. A low growl is a sign of aggression. The Sardinian pika most likely inhabited small colonies or family groupings. This pika was active in the morning and evening since it was crepuscular. This species' territoriality may have shielded burrows from conspecifics. In secure environments, people may grow accustomed to this shy yet recognizable pika. Because it is small and cute, like rabbits, it may be enjoyable in captivity.

• Human Impact: Arrival of humans on Sardinia and Corsica led to habitat destruction.

• Predation: Introduced species (dogs, cats, rats).

• Competition: Possibly outcompeted by introduced herbivores (goats, rabbits).

• Climate Change: Limited effect but may have contributed to habitat stress.

• Extinction Time: Around 1700–1800 AD.

This pika was endemic to the Corsica-Sardinia archipelago in the Western Mediterranean. During the Pleistocene, the Sardinian pika lived as part of a highly endemic island ecosystem where only a small number (~12) of terrestrial mammals were present.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo/Colony

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: 0

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Tundra; Taiga; Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests, Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain.

• Earth: 

  • Extinct: France (Corsica); Italy (Sardinia)

• Berbania: worldwide

• Reinachos: worldwide

• Delphia: worldwide

• Sawintir: worldwide

In Rapunzel's universe, all lagomorphs slowly approach survivors holding carrots, golden carrots, or dandelions, and they are tamed by feeding.

In theory, the Sardinian Pika was housed similarly to a guinea pig or rabbit. Sardinian Pikas are not as tamed as rabbits in our universe; they need space, social groups, and careful feeding control. They are also likely to be stressed out outside of their natural habitat.

Antiquity

This phrase closely resembles related modern Hebrew: I (אי) meaning island and shafan (שפן) meaning hyrax, plural shfaním (שפנים). Phoenicians called the local rabbits 'hyraxes' because rabbits resemble hyraxes in some ways, and hyraxes are native to Phoenicia, unlike rabbits. Hyraxes, like rabbits, are not rodents. Rabbits are often used as a symbol of fertility or rebirth, and have long been associated with spring and Easter as the Easter Bunny.

The species' role as a prey animal with few defenses evokes vulnerability and innocence, and in folklore and modern children's stories, rabbits often appear as sympathetic characters, able to connect easily with youth of all kinds related to sometimes, both Jesus and Eostre in the same Holy Week.

This species was found in every episode of Earth Responsibly Universe with the Frozen series, The Owl House, Assassin's Creed, Monster Hunter, The Avengers, Agents of Shield, Fantastic Four, Spiderman, Venom, Street Fighter, Z Nation, The Walking Dead, every movie in 20th Century Studios, Mobile Legends, and Star Wars as part of Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure and Tangled Movie.

Earth

• Welsh: Pyca Sardinia

• Irish: Pica na Sairdíne

• French: Pica de Sardaigne

• Spanish: Pica de Cerdeña

• English: Sardinian pika

• Coming soon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardinian_pika

• https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Prolagus_sardus

• https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon_no=94473

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/18338/1737167

• https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Prolagus_sardus/classification/

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Sardinian-Pika-898362891