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foxes) to which pika populations had not so far been exposed. It has been suggested that a warming climate has increased the presence of vegetation and animal species from lower elevations in the pika's habitat, leading to a larger number of attendant predators (e.g. The exact causes for recently observed population declines are not known with certainty, but it is speculated that an increase in grazing pressure and global atmospheric pollution resulting in climate change are negatively affecting populations. An estimated 2,000 mature individuals existed in the early 1990s. Only one examined site, the Bayingou region of Xinjiang Uygur, showed signs of previously observed abundance. Populations have declined in the regions of Jipuk, Tianger Apex, and Telimani Daban. A recent census indicated that the Ili pika may have been extirpated from the Jilimalale and Hutubi South Mountains. Population declines have been observed for several locations inhabited by this species.

Its population has been reduced by 70% within 15 years. These studies were not successful since there were few to no pika's available at various sites. These studies involved physical presence in the sites where Ili pikas had been thought to be present.

Additionally, There were studies conducted within the decade to learn more about the species. There were three specimens captured that were observed and used to describe the species in 1986. Up to 2015, a total of 29 live sightings were reported. The animal was not documented again until May 2014 (again by Li). After three years of research, Li and his team named it the Ili pika, after the area where it is found, the Ili Prefecture on the far west side of China's Xinjiang province. The species was first observed by conservationist Li Weidong in 1983. During the winter season, they are more active during the day while during the spring and fall, they are more active at night. Also, the Ili pika varies the percent of time it is active during the day or night based on seasons. The Ili pika is similar to other rock-dwelling pikas in that they are asocial creatures, however, they are less likely to utter vocalizations. Only one to two litters are produced each year, but litter size for this species is unknown. It is mostly a diurnal species, but may exhibit nocturnal activity. The Ili pika has low population densities. Īlmost nothing is known about the ecology or behavior of the species. It occupies slightly sloping high rock walls or cliff faces interlaced with gaps or holes that serve as dens.

This species constructs haypiles and is a generalized herbivore. The Ili pika inhabits talus slopes at high elevations, usually from about 2,800 to 4,100 meters. It is endemic to the Tian Shan mountains of northwest Chinese province Xinjiang. It has brightly colored hair and displays large rusty-red spots on forehead, crown, and the sides of the neck. It is large for a pika, with a length of 20.3–20.4 centimetres (8.0–8.0 in) and a weight of up to 250 grams (0.55 lb). The Ili pika somewhat resembles a short-eared rabbit.