Ochotona hyperborea (Pallas, 1811)

Species Nomenclature

The northern pika, Ochotona hyperborea (Pallas, 1811), is a small species.

Adult Body Size

Adults grow to a body length between 12.5 and 18.5 centimeters (4.9 and 7.3 in), with a tail measuring 0.5 to 1.2 centimeters (0.20 to 0.47 in).

External Morphology

It has small rounded ears, short legs, five toes on each foot, and fur-covered foot soles.

Seasonal Fur Color

Its fine, long fur is reddish-brown in summer, and turns much greyer in winter.

Underpart Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism

Its underparts are white with a reddish-brown tint, and males and females look identical.

Intraspecific Variation

Size and colouring vary across the species' extensive range.

General Distribution

The northern pika inhabits mountainous regions of eastern Asia.

Detailed Range Extent

Its range stretches from the Urals and the Putorana Plateau, through eastern and southern Siberia including Sakhalin Island, to northern Mongolia, Manchuria, North Korea, and Hokkaido.

Habitat Types

It can be found on scree, rocky mountain slopes, boulder fields, damp areas among coniferous trees, and dry alpine meadows.

Microhabitat and Burrowing Behavior

In large rock expanses, it is mostly found near the edge, and digs shallow burrows in the adjacent turf.

Altitude Range

It occurs at altitudes between 400 and 2,000 metres (1,300 and 6,600 ft).

Altitudinal Niche Comparison

Overall, it is restricted to higher altitudes than the alpine pika.