Pikas are small, herbivorous mammals in the family Ochotonidae, closely related to rabbits and hares (order Lagomorpha). They are adapted to cold, alpine environments and are known for their distinctive rounded ears and vocalizations.
- Family: Ochotonidae
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Adapted to cold, mountainous regions
- Known for high-pitched calls and "haying" behavior
Pikas belong to the order Lagomorpha.
The family name for pikas is Ochotonidae.
Biology and Adaptations
Pikas have dense fur, short limbs, and small, rounded ears—adaptations that minimize heat loss in cold habitats. Unlike their lagomorph cousins, pikas lack a visible tail. They are herbivores that feed on a variety of alpine vegetation and practice haying—collecting and storing plant material for winter.
- Compact, rounded body with dense fur
- No visible tail
- Herbivorous diet: grasses, herbs, and alpine plants
- "Haying" behavior: stores food for winter survival
Pikas collect and store food (haying) to survive winter.
Pikas have short ears, not long, to reduce heat loss.
Diversity and Distribution
There are about 30 recognized species of pikas in the genus Ochotona. They are primarily found in Asia (China, Mongolia, Russia) and North America, favoring rocky, alpine, and subalpine zones between elevations of 1,500 and 4,500 meters.
- Genus: Ochotona
- ~30 species worldwide
- Distribution: Asia and North America
- Habitat: Rocky talus slopes, alpine and subalpine zones
Pikas are found mainly in Asia and North America.
Pikas mostly inhabit alpine and subalpine rocky slope habitats.
All known pikas belong to the genus Ochotona.
Ecological Role
Pikas play important roles as prey for alpine predators and as herbivores that influence plant community dynamics. Their "haying" activity affects nutrient cycling. Pikas are sensitive to climate change, making them important indicators of ecosystem health.
- Important prey for weasels, foxes, and eagles
- Herbivores that shape alpine vegetation
- "Haying" influences nutrient cycling
- Sensitive to warming climates; considered ecological indicators
Pikas are sensitive to warming temperatures, making them good climate change indicators.
Pikas do not serve as pollinators.
Conclusion
Pikas are unique lagomorphs well-adapted to harsh mountain climates, where they contribute to ecosystem dynamics and serve as indicators of environmental change.
- Small, furry, and tailless members of Ochotonidae; about 30 species in genus Ochotona
- Found in rocky alpine and subalpine habitats in Asia and North America
- Practice "haying" to survive winters, influencing nutrient cycles
- Vulnerable to climate change, making them important ecological indicators
Pikas belong to the family Ochotonidae.
Pikas store food during summer in a behavior known as 'haying.'
Pikas are primarily found in Asia and North America.