Royle's pika
Royle's pika (Ochotona roylei) is a species of mammal in the pika family (Ochotonidae). It is found in China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
| Royle's pika | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Lagomorpha |
| Family: | Ochotonidae |
| Genus: | Ochotona |
| Species: | O. roylei |
| Binomial name | |
| Ochotona roylei (Ogilby, 1839) | |
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| Royle's pika range | |
Description
The most common pika in Himalayas with a HBT length of 17-22 centimeter. Royle's pika has slightly arched head with rufous-grey body with chestnut-colored head and sparse hair in front of its ears.
Distribution and habitat
This is the most common pika of Himalayas and should not be confused with large-eared pika. These species are mostly seen in the open rocky mountain edges or slopes or onto the broken ground covered with conifer trees such as pine, deodar and rhododendron forests. The species has also been found near the human habitation. It does not make its own nest, rather it takes narrow creeks and existing burrow systems as its nest with hay piles and pine leaves.
Conservation status
Though their conservation status according to IUCN red list is Least Concerned, habitat loss and human habitation in hilly areas are the indirect cause of conservation threats towards them.
References
- Smith, A.T. & Boyer, A.F. (2008). "Ochotona roylei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.