Are pikas exposed to and affected by selenium deficiency?

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Zoology

Background:

• Pika populations are declining, with global warming cited as a primary driver.
• Environmental changes like nitrogen deposition and selenium deficiency may also impact pika health.
• Understanding selenium's role is crucial for pika conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate selenium concentrations in pika populations across the Northern Rocky Mountains.
• To determine the relationship between selenium levels, geology, nitrogen deposition, and pika body condition.
• To assess potential selenium deficiency in remote pika habitats.

Main Methods:

• Live-trapping of pikas in Wyoming (2003-2004) to measure hair selenium.
• Analysis of hair and liver samples from museum specimens (1987-1988).
• Correlation analysis between selenium levels, nitrogen deposition, and body condition index.

Main Results:

• Pika hair and liver selenium concentrations were correlated.
• Pika hair selenium levels reflected the selenium content of local geologic parent materials.
• Animals in several remote Rocky Mountain areas showed potential selenium deficiency.
• Increased nitrogen deposition correlated with increased, not decreased, pika hair selenium.
• No relationship was found between hair selenium and pika body condition.

Conclusions:

• Pikas in certain Rocky Mountain regions may be selenium deficient.
• Selenium levels in pikas are influenced by local geology.
• Increased nitrogen deposition does not appear to exacerbate selenium deficiency in pikas.
• Low selenium levels may not negatively affect individual pika body condition.
• Future research should explore the impact of selenium on pika reproductive success.