Pikas
Pikas
Ochotonidae
Small, Mountain-Dwelling Relatives of Rabbits: Pikas (Ochotonidae) are small, herbivorous mammals closely related to rabbits and hares. Native to the cold mountainous regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, pikas are well-adapted to life at high elevations, often found among rocky slopes, talus fields, and alpine meadows. There are about 30 recognized species of pikas, including the American Pika (Ochotona princeps) and the Northern Pika (Ochotona hyperborea). They are small animals, typically measuring 15–23 cm (6–9 in) in length and weighing 120–350 g (4–12 oz). Unlike rabbits, pikas have short limbs, rounded ears, no visible tail, and a more compact body suited for cold environments. Pikas are active during the day and do not hibernate, even in harsh winters. Instead, they gather and dry vegetation during the summer months, creating "haypiles" to store food for the snowy season. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, flowers, mosses, and other plant materials. Social behavior varies among species — some pikas are solitary and territorial, while others form loose colonies. They use high-pitched alarm calls to warn of predators, such as birds of prey, weasels, and foxes. Pikas are highly sensitive to temperature changes and are considered indicators of climate change. Rising temperatures threaten their alpine habitats, forcing populations to move higher or face local extinction.