Pallas's pika

Pallas's pika, often referred to as the Mongolian pika, is a small mammal belonging to the pika family, Ochotonidae. These endearing creatures predominantly inhabit the mountainous regions of western Mongolia. Weighing between 175 to 200 grams and measuring up to 25 centimeters in length, Pallas's pikas are characterized by their round bodies, short limbs, and small, rounded ears. Notably, their fur color changes with the seasons.

Pallas's pikas are found in specific areas of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, with various subspecies occupying distinct habitats. As herbivores, they feed on grasses, flowers, stems, and even their own cecotrophs—specialized feces that aid in further digestion of nutrients. They also hoard food to survive the winter months. Their burrowing activities contribute to seed dispersion, vegetation improvement, and soil enrichment, making them vital to their ecosystem.

These pikas are monogamous, forming lasting bonds with a single mate. Typically, they produce around five offspring per litter and can have multiple litters each year, though only during the summer. The young pikas mature rapidly, reaching sexual maturity within about four weeks. Remarkably, they obtain essential amino acids through microbial nitrogen fixation to compensate for their nutritionally deficient diet.

From a scientific perspective, Pallas's pikas are classified into four groups, with some subspecies listed as critically endangered or endangered on the IUCN Red List. Genetic studies reveal relationships among these groups, while morphological traits and coloration patterns underscore their differences.