The bear face rabbits re-exported after 20 years

Rare animals, characterized by a teddy bear-like face, were discovered for the first time in more than 20 years.

Rabbits have faces like teddy bears that appear after more than 20 years

Ochotona iliensis is characterized by big rabbit ears and a teddy bear-like face.(Photo: Li Weidong)

This animal has the scientific name Ochotona iliensis, also known as Ili pika, belonging to the rabbit family. Scientist Li Weidong discovered them in July last year in the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, northwestern China. He estimates that the number of species is now reduced by 70% compared to the time over 20 years ago.

In 1983, Li happened to see them when conducting research on natural resources and infectious diseases."When he explored a valley, he saw a small gray head protruding from the cliff. The animal had a body length of about 20 cm, large ears and small brown spots on gray fur , " National Geographic writing.

Ili pika was found at an altitude of about 3,200-3,400 m, but now they climb up to 4,100 m. In 2008, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) placed them in dangerous animal groups, but no organization or group of experts intended to study or protect them.

"Small animals can become extinct at any time. They will no longer exist in places where they once lived," CNN quoted Li as saying.

Global air pollution and an increase in animal grazing pressure, the impact of climate change, are believed to be the main threats to this animal. According to IUCN estimates, there are only about 1,000 individuals living in Thien Son range.