Plateau Pika

The plateau pika, or black-lipped pika, is a small, diurnal, non-hibernating mammal weighing about 140g when fully grown. It is reddish tan on the back and whitish-yellow below. It prefers elevations of 3,100 to 5,000m, mostly on the Tibetan Plateau, which gives it its name, and it is found in China, India and Nepal (Wikipedia, general species account).

It forms both monogamous and polygynandrous family groups of about three males and three to four females with their young. The breeding season runs from April to August and young do not disperse in their birth year. Its burrowing aerates meadow soil, adds plant diversity and provides nests for small birds and reptiles, and it is a favourite food of brown bears in some areas. Nationally Data Deficient (Nepal National Red List 2011).