Wildlifeof India
Ladak Pika
Pangolins, Hares, Pikas & Shrews
Photo: (c) Johannes S., some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY (May be cropped or resized)
Ochotona ladacensis
Basic stats
Diet
Roots and other plants; probably roots such as Primulaceae in winter
Habitat
Valleys at about 4,300–5,450m; burrows
Range
Northern India, north-eastern Pakistan and western China
Size
Body 18–23cm
The Ladak pika, or Ladakh pika, is named for the Ladakh region and is commonly found in valleys of the mountain ranges from Pakistan through India to China, at about 4,300–5,450 m. Adults are 18–23 cm long. The fur is light brown-grey with a yellow-white underside, and the outer sides of the ears are rust-coloured. Before it was recognised as a separate species, specimens were thought to be plateau pikas (Wikipedia, general species account).
It digs burrows and is herbivorous, and is thought to eat roots, such as those of the primrose family, through the winter. It lives in territorial family groups and reproduces in late June and early July. The cached account gives no litter size or gestation information (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What does the Ladak Pika eat?
- Roots and other plants; probably roots such as Primulaceae in winter
- What habitat does the Ladak Pika live in?
- Valleys at about 4,300–5,450m; burrows
- Where is the Ladak Pika found?
- Northern India, north-eastern Pakistan and western China
- How big is the Ladak Pika?
- Body 18–23cm