What is plateau pikas?

Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) are small mammals that belong to the family Ochotonidae and are found in the high altitude plateau regions of the Tibetan plateau and nearby mountains. They are also known as the black-lipped pika, Tibetan pika, or black-mouthed pika.

Plateau pikas are the largest species of pika and can weigh up to 220 grams. They have grayish-brown fur with a black nose and lips and large rounded ears. They are diurnal and are active during the day. They are also social animals and live in family groups.

Plateau pikas feed on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation that grows on the plateau. They store food in their burrows during the summer for consumption in the winter when food is scarce. They are also known to eat dried yak dung as a source of nutrients.

Plateau pikas play an important role in the ecosystem as prey for predators such as foxes, weasels, and owls. They also help in maintaining the grasslands by grazing on the vegetation and creating burrows that aerate the soil and provide shelter for other animals.

However, the population of plateau pikas is declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. The conservation of this species is important to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and protect biodiversity.