Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Genus
- Ochotona
Habitat
Collared Pikas primarily inhabit rocky talus slopes and boulder fields in alpine and subalpine regions of northwestern North America, such as Alaska and the Yukon. They prefer areas above the treeline with abundant vegetation for foraging and rock crevices for shelter, avoiding lower elevations due to warmer temperatures.
Diet
Collared Pikas are herbivores that feed mainly on grasses, sedges, and forbs during the summer months. They exhibit haying behavior, collecting and drying vegetation to store as haystacks for winter survival, and are most active feeding during the day.
Behavior
Collared Pikas are diurnal and solitary, defending small territories with high-pitched alarm calls to warn of predators. They are highly active in gathering and storing food during summer, remaining in their rock piles year-round but reducing activity in winter. These animals are territorial and do not hibernate, relying on stored food to survive cold periods.
Conservation Status
The Collared Pika is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend overall. Major threats include climate change, which could reduce their high-altitude habitats due to warming temperatures.