Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Genus
- Ochotona
Habitat
Thomas's pikas primarily inhabit high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and western China, favoring rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and boulder fields above 3,000 meters where they can find shelter and forage. These areas provide protection from predators and access to vegetation, though they avoid dense forests.
Diet
Thomas's pikas feed mainly on grasses, herbs, and other green vegetation, which they forage during the day in their rocky habitats. They exhibit caching behavior, collecting and storing plants in haypiles to sustain themselves through harsh winters when food is scarce.
Behavior
Thomas's pikas are diurnal and live in small family groups, often communicating with high-pitched alarm calls to warn of danger. They are territorial, defending their rocky territories and spending significant time gathering vegetation for winter storage, while also being agile climbers on boulders.
Conservation Status
Ochotona thomasi is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend, though it faces potential threats from habitat loss due to climate change and human activities in the Himalayas.