Mammals of the WorldPallas's Pika
Ochotona pallasii
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Genus
- Ochotona
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Russia|China|Mongolia
- Realm
- Palearctic
Other names: Mongolian Pika
About this species
- Diet
- Grasses, herbs, and other vegetation
- Habitat
- Rocky slopes, talus, and dry mountain steppe
- Range
- Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and northern China
Pallas's pika is a compact, tailless lagomorph with short rounded ears and dense fur. Colour varies among seasons and populations, broadly matching the grey-brown and ochre tones of rocky Central Asian slopes. It resembles other Mongolian pikas closely, so distribution, calls, and skull or dental evidence may be needed for firm identification. It is also sometimes called the Mongolian pika. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Its range covers Mongolia and adjoining parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, and northern China. It uses rocky slopes, talus, and dry mountain steppe, sheltering in crevices while feeding on nearby grasses, herbs, and other vegetation. Cut plants may be gathered for winter food. However, the opened account did not establish a precise national viewing locality or species-wide breeding figures suitable for publication. (Wikipedia, general species account; Mammal Diversity Database)
Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)