Ochotona collaris

18.

Collared Pika

Ochotona collaris

French: Pika a collier / German: Alaska-Pfeifhase / Spanish: Pica de collar

Taxonomy. Lagomys collaris Nelson, 1893,

“about 200 miles south of Fort Yukon, Alaska, near the head of the Tanana River,” USA.

According to mtDNA, O. collaris belongs to subgenus Pika. It was previously included in O. princeps but was elevated to a full species based on differences in morphology, chromosomes, and, later, genetic markers. Although both species are sister taxa, genetic distance between them is quite substantial. Distribution of O. collaris and O. princeps is separated by wide gap corresponding to bigger part of Coast Mountains, in the Pacific Coast Ranges, of wstern North America. Monotypic.

Distribution. SE Alaska and NW Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, NW British Columbia) Mts W of Mackenzie River and S to ¢.59° N.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 170-190 mm, ear 17-25 mm, hindfoot 26-30 mm; weight 117-200 g. The Collared Pika is medium-sized. Dorsal fur is dull grayish brown, with light gray collar. Ventral fur is creamy white. Winterfuris longer, softer, and grayer than during other seasons. Hairs above neck gland are creamy buff. Ears are rounded, with white margins. Skull is medium-sized and stout, with incisive and palatal foramens separated. Auditory bullae are medium-sized. Condylobasal lengths are 39-43 mm, skull widths are 21-23 mm, and skull heights are 15-16 mm. Relative to the American Pika (O. princeps), the Collared Pika lacks buffy tint on belly and has light gray collar.

Habitat. Talus and stone fields at elevations of 500-2000 m. Collared Pikas avoid barren stone fields without vegetation. Main stony habitats of Collared Pikas occur in meadows or tundra above timberline. The Collared Pika is a typical rock dweller.

Food and Feeding. The Collared Pika feeds on green plants and stores hay in piles. It hoards most common plants in its home area but has some preferences. Hay hoarding starts in late June or early July. Mean mass of hay pile is 3-1 kg. Hay piles are usually situated under large stones or in stone crevices.

Breeding. Parturition of the Collared Pika occurs from late April to late July, with the greatest number of neonates born in June. Adult Collared Pikas can breed twice per year, but success of a second breeding is unknown. Young females become fertile after c.l year of age. Each female has 1-4 embryos. Gestation is ¢.30 days; neonates are nearly hairless and born with their eyes closed.

Activity patterns. The Collared Pika is diurnal and most active in morning and late afternoon. While hay hoarding, activity can be around the clock but decreases at night.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Collared Pikas move aboveground by running and leaping openly. Visible activity includes resting on rocks and feeding or hoarding. Home ranges are 700-1960 m?. Densities typically are 13-250 ind/km?, but H. E. Broadbooks in 1965 had higher estimates of 640-720 ind/km?, depending on year and habitat. Collared Pikas are vocal animals; and one type of call is known to have an individual specific pattern.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Broadbooks (1965), Franken & Hik (2004), Lanier & Olson (2009, 2013), MacDonald & Jones (1987), Morrison & Hik (2007), Morrison et al. (2009), Trefry & Hik (2010).