Above 14,000 ft in the Helan-Shan mountain range of Asia, a Silver Pika runs looking for food. It is almost winter and this pika is collecting plants and roots in a very important process called haymaking. The Pika runs across a small patch of plants on the side of the mountain it’s hunting on. It starts filling its cheeks with plants and flowers but is stopped in its tracks at the sound of rustling and crumbling rocks.
|
The Pika is frozen in terror as it looks to see what’s making the noise. The culprit is a Sumatran rhinoceros. These rhinoceroses are only found on the small island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This rhino has escaped from captivity on its way to a Chinese factory. To the people of Asia, rhinoceros horns are more valuable than gold. Their horns are used to make medicine and other valuable products.
|
|
The Rhinoceros, who usually identifies as herbivorous, hasn’t eaten in days. The pika seems like a cure for this painful hunger. Their eyes lock for a few seconds and the very aware pika springs into action.
|
|
|
The pika lets out a distress call to warn any surrounding pikas, and to call for help. To its surprise, the pika does not hear a call back. With few pikas left in the region, (and the world) the pika is left to defend itself.
|
|
|
The pika scurries between shrubs and under boulders. The pika knows this rocky terrain like the back of its hand. Its small size and knowledge of the mountain puts it at a great advantage. On the other hand, the 1,000 lb rhino is a at a great disadvantage on the narrow and steep peak of the mountain. With every step it takes, the rhino has to place its foot meticulously so it doesn't slip. Despite the fast speed of the pika, the rhino is able to keep its eye on it. After minutes of chasing, the pika believes it has found a good hiding spot: the top of a rock formation on the mountain. On both sides of the rock, there is 100 ft drop offs. The pika thinks it is safe because there is no way the rhino would walk out to it.
|
|
If the rhino was thinking logically this would be the case, but this rhino is blinded by its hunger. It takes 3 slow steps towards the pika. Just as it is taking its last step, the loose gravel slides under the foot of the rhino, causing it to fall off the side of the mountain.
|
|
Despite its best effort, the Rhino has been killed. The pika is the victor!!