Northern Pika
Ochotona hyperborea
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Lagomorpha · Ochotonidae
About
The northern pika is a species of pika found across mountainous regions of northern Asia, from the Ural Mountains to northern Japan and south through Mongolia, Manchuria and northern Korea. An adult northern pika has a body length of 12.5–18.5 centimeters (4.9–7.3 in), and a tail of 0.5–1.2 centimeters (0.20–0.47 in). The pika sheds its fur twice annually, bearing a reddish-brown coat in the summer and grayish-brown coat in winter. It feeds on various plant material and makes "hay piles" for winter use.
Fun Fact
Northern pikas survive temperatures below −40°C in Siberian mountains without hibernating, relying on insulated burrows and cached haypiles of dried vegetation gathered during the brief summer.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rocky slopes in taiga
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
3-5 years
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Human-Wildlife Conflict