Himalayan pika
Kingdom
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Subphylum
Class
Order
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Genus
SPECIES
Ochotona himalayana

The Himalayan pika (Ochotona himalayana ) is a species of small mammal in the pika family (Ochotonidae ). It is found at high altitudes in remote areas of Ladakh, Uttarakhand and possibly also in Nepal &Tibet. The IUCN has listed this species as being of "least concern".

Distribution

Geography

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Biogeographical realms

The Himalayan pika is native to the northern side of the Himalayas in the Tibet Autonomous Region in the Mount Everest area at altitudes of 2,400 to 4,200 metres (7,900 to 13,800 ft). There have been claims that it is present in Nepal on the southern side of the mountain range but this has not been authenticated. The typical habitat of this species is rocky places, screes, walls and cliffs in the vicinity of coniferous forests.

Himalayan pika habitat map
Himalayan pika habitat map
Himalayan pika

Habits and Lifestyle

The Himalayan pika is a small mammal about 17 cm (6.7 in) long and very similar in appearance to Royle's pika. It is particularly active early in the morning and again at nightfall and feeds on various types of plant material. It produces litters of three or four young.

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Population

Population number

The Himalayan pika lives in remote mountainous areas where it has little association with man. No particular threats have been identified and the International Union for Conservation of Nature list it as being of "least concern". The IUCN advocates that more research should be undertaken on its ecology and population status.

References

1. Himalayan pika Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayan_pika
2. Himalayan pika on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41268/45184591

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