Where does the American pika live?
The American pika is a small, herbivorous mammal closely related to rabbits and hares. It lives in the mountainous regions of western North America, typically on rocky slopes and talus fields at or above the tree line. Unlike most mammals of similar size, it is diurnal. It is solitary, but lives near an individual of the opposite sex.
What does the American pika eat?
It employs two distinct foraging strategies: directly consuming vegetation, or gathering and storing plant materials in "haypiles" to get through the winter, a behaviour known as haying. Pikas are vocal animals, using a variety of calls and songs both to warn of approaching predators and during the breeding season. Its predators include eagles, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes and weasels.
Is the American pika endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Least Concern, but recent studies suggest that populations in the south-western United States are declining due to habitat loss and global warming. It measures 162 to 216 mm and weighs 125 to 175 g.
