Himalayan pika
| Himalayan pika | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Lagomorpha |
| Family: | Ochotonidae |
| Genus: | Ochotona |
| Species: | O. himalayana
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| Binomial name | |
| Ochotona himalayana Feng, 1973
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| Himalayan pika range | |
The Himalayan pika (Ochotona himalayana) is a species of small
Taxonomy
The Himalayan pika was first described by Feng in 1973. Before that it was thought to by synonymous with Royle's pika (Ochotona roylei) and it is found wholly within the range of that species. However, molecular studies by Yu et al. (2000) confirmed that it was a separate species. There are no recognised subspecies.[2]
Distribution and habitat
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The Himalayan pika is native to the northern side of the Himalayas in the Tibet Autonomous Region in the Mount Everest area[2] at altitudes of 2,400 to 4,200 metres (7,900 to 13,800 ft).[1] 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.[1]
Behaviour
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.[1]
Status
The Himalayan pika lives in remote mountainous areas where it has little association with man. No particular threats have been identified and the
References
- ^ a b c d e f Smith, A.T. & Johnston, C.H. (2008). "Ochotona himalayana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ OCLC 62265494.