Ochotona curzoniae (Hodgson, 1858)

Nomenclature

The plateau pika, with the scientific name Ochotona curzoniae, is also commonly called the black-lipped pika. It is a mammal species belonging to the pika family, Ochotonidae.

Physical Characteristics

This is a small, diurnal mammal that does not hibernate; fully grown adults weigh around 140 g (4.9 oz). Their upper sides are reddish tan, while their underbellies are more whitish yellow.

Elevation Range

The species prefers to live at elevations between 3,100 and 5,000 m (10,200 and 16,400 ft), and is found mostly on the Tibetan Plateau, which is the source of its common name "plateau pika".

Geographic Distribution & Habitat

It occurs in China, India, and Nepal, where it inhabits high alpine deserts, steppe, meadows, and tropical and subtropical montane forests.