Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Genus
- Ochotona
Habitat
Northern pikas primarily inhabit rocky talus slopes and alpine meadows in mountainous regions. They are found in northern Asia, including Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia, and parts of Japan. These areas provide ample rocks for cover and proximity to vegetation for foraging.
Diet
Northern pikas mainly eat grasses, sedges, and forbs, which they forage during the day. They exhibit caching behavior, collecting and drying vegetation into haypiles for winter survival. Feeding is most active in the warmer months when plants are abundant.
Behavior
Northern pikas are diurnal and live in loose colonies on rocky slopes, where they are highly territorial and use vocal calls to defend their areas. They are known for their alarm calls to warn of predators and spend significant time gathering and storing food in haypiles. These behaviors help them survive harsh winters in alpine environments.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Northern pika as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss due to climate change and increased predation.