Rare mammal of the genus Ochotona iliensis is filmed for the first time in 20 years. Also known as a magic rabbit, the charming animal looks like a cross between a bear and a rabbit and lives in Tian Shan mountains in Northwest China. Unfortunately, it can be spotted rarely, not because of his remote home, and the fact that the species is threatened with extinction. In 1990 it was estimated that only about 2000 individuals left.
The magic rabbit loves to hide, and for the last 3 decades has been noticed only 29 times. Lives at high altitudes, between 2,800 and 4,100 m, and feeds mostly on grass, herbs, and other mountain plants.
In 2005 appeared that the magic rabbit can no longer be found in 57% of his habitat. It is believed that the species could disappear at any moment.
Representatives of this type are seen for the first time in 1983 and in the evaluation of Chinese zoologists have been around 2900 pieces. Unfortunately, since then the population of Ochotona iliensis is decreased by 70%. Experts say the likely cause for the disappearance of “magic rabbit“ is global warming, thereby increasing the level of the snow in the Tian Shan mountains.
The place where Ochotona iliensis was spotted.
Experts say the likelihood of “magic rabbit“ to disappear is much higher than the Panda, whose population also reduces looming. Both are entered in the Red Book of endangered species.
