Alpine Pika
Ochotona alpina
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Lagomorpha · Ochotonidae
About
The alpine pika is a species of small mammal in the pika family, Ochotonidae. The summer pelage of different subspecies varies drastically but, in general, it is dark or cinnamon brown, turning to grey with a yellowish tinge during the winter. The alpine pika is found in western Mongolia, eastern Kazakhstan, and Russia, as well as in China, in very cold, mountainous regions. It is a generalist herbivore, and mainly forages on mosses, tree branches, pine nuts, and plant stems. It can emit three series of different vocalizations: a long call, a short call, and an alarm call. It is rated as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
Fun Fact
Alpine pikas don't hibernate — instead they spend the summer creating 'haypiles' of dried grasses and wildflowers that they cache under rocks to eat throughout the harsh Siberian winter.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rocky alpine areas
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
6-8 years
Threats
- Grazing Pressure
- Infrastructure Development