Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Genus
- Ochotona
Habitat
Alpine pikas inhabit rocky slopes, talus fields, and alpine meadows in high mountain regions. They are found in central Asia, including the Altai, Tian Shan, and Himalayan ranges, at elevations from 1,000 to 4,000 meters. These areas provide cover from predators and access to vegetation.
Diet
Alpine pikas primarily eat grasses, herbs, and sedges, which they forage during the day. They exhibit haymaking behavior, collecting and drying plants to store for winter food supplies. Feeding occurs mostly in the morning and late afternoon when temperatures are milder.
Behavior
Alpine pikas are diurnal and highly active, spending much of their time foraging and maintaining haypiles for winter. They live in loose colonies but are territorial, using high-pitched whistles to communicate and warn of predators. These animals are agile climbers on rocks and show curiosity towards intruders.
Conservation Status
The Alpine pika is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend overall, though climate change poses a threat by altering their high-altitude habitats.