How scientists are using poop to track climate-change effects on pikas and their mountain home

An American pika stands in its rocky mountainous environment. It resembles a small rabbit, but has shorter hair and looks closer to a guinea pig.

American pikas are more than just adorable little mountain dwellers — they're also a potential canary in the coal mine when it comes to the impact of climate change on their ecosystem. B.C. researchers are now developing new ways to better monitor their populations.