Royle's pika

Habitat. Rocky habitats from upperforest to alpine areasat elevations of 2100 - 4500 m. Although microhabitat distribution of Royle’s Pika is strongly associated with rocks, it is not a true rock dweller, such as the Large-eared Pika. Royle’s Pika often uses manmade stone fences or debris-flow sediments mixed with colluvium; it uses very narrow crevices. Snow depth and duration of snow cover are limiting factors; snow cover in spring prevents temperature fluctuations in nests. Food and Feeding. Royle’s Pikas feed on plants, preferring green leaves and flowers during warm periods, and they do not hoard hay. They eat a wide variety of plants but can be selective. Breeding. Breeding of Royle’s Pika starts in April and lasts 2 - 3 months. Adult female gives birth to one litter per year. Young Royle’s Pikas become fertile at 7 - 9 months of age. Each female gives birth to 1 - 5 young. Gestation is 28 - 30 days; neonates are covered with scarce fur and born with their eyes closed. Eyes open after 8 - 10 days. Lactation lasts 20 - 22 days. Activity patterns. Royle’s Pika is diurnal and easily visible. In summer and in open rocky habitats, it avoids midday heat. It spends more than one-half of its time feeding and moving aboveground. Movements, Home range and Social organization. Royle’s Pikas move openly among rocks or near rocky shelters in meadows. Continuous running and leaping is characteristic. Long posing on rocks is common. Average density is 1623 ind / km * in the western Himalaya and 1250 ind / km? in the eastern Himalaya. Home ranges of males and females overlap. Royle’s Pika is thought to be facultatively monogamous. Vocalizations are rare in the nominate subspecies and quite frequent in nepalensis. Known calls are simple whistles, probably reflecting emotional status of an individual. Royle’s Pika does not dig and uses natural hollows among rocks; however, it clears tunnels and entrances from soil.