Ochotona macrotis
large-eared pika

Large eared pikas, Ochotona macrotis, are most frequently found on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Central Asia, as well as in the Tienshan and Pamir mountain ranges. This species of ochotonid is also encountered in the Nepal Himalayas, Punjab, and Kashmir, as well as in remote areas surrounding China's western forests in the Sinkiang Province. (Orr, 1977; Yidong et al., 2004)

In general, pikas establish nests among rocky debris on talus slopes formed by glaciers. The rocks serve as both a home and refuge against predators. The size of the rocks is important for pikas because these animals use natural crevices and tunnels to travel from one location to another. Spaces that are too large may permit predators to reach the pikas.

One can often identify the presence of a pika by the presence of droppings. Pellets are usually confined in consistent piles among the talus. Rocks with crusty white urine stains also suggest pika presence. This particular species can occur at elevations as high as 6,100 m. (Orr, 1977)

Large-eared pikas are similar physically to Ochonta royalei, but with larger ears. These animals are approximately 150 to 200 mm in length. They can weigh up to 120 g.

This particular ochotonid has the largest pinnae of any member of the family, hence its common name. Like other lagomorphs, ochotonids have an extra pair of insisors behind the first. The pelage is thick, soft, and slightly silky. Unlike rabbits and hares, ochotonids have visible toe pads surrounded by well furred feet.

Among pikas in general, two molts occur yearly which vary in color, due to seasonal changes. Females often lose their fur later in the season than male ochotonids. It has been suggested that sexual differences in timing of molt is related to reproduction.

The metabolic rate of ochotonids is high, particularly those species such as O. macrotis, which experience harsh climates and conditions with much snow. (MacDonald, 1984; Orr, 1977; Yidong et al., 2004)

Although data for O. macrotis are lacking, it is thought that pikas in general have a lifespan of one to three years. Long-earned pikas are likely to have a similar maximum lifespan. (MacDonald, 1984)

Like other pikas, large-eared pikas do not hibernate during the winter. Whereas other species are active throughout the day, O. macrotis is the most active around mid-day. The remainder of the day is spent crouching on prominent rocks, sun-bathing, or watching for predators. If the temperature is too high, animals take refuge for extended periods of time beneath the talus.

Unlike other pikas, O. macrotis does not perform the typical hay-gathering ritual that often comes to be associated with ochotonids. Hay-gathering involves the cutting and drying of grasses, which are stacked in piles among the rocks for later use as bedding and food.

Pikas are typically more alert of their surroundings after the snow has melted than at any other time of the year because of their prolonged absence from the outside world. The loss of the snow, which provided temoporary protection, makes the ochotonids more accessible to predators.

Behavior also changes through the course of the season, from the time of the breeding season to after the offspring are born. Trespassers are often allowed to cross boundaries during certain times of the year, but not during others. (Orr, 1977)

Ochontids typically use sharp, high-pitched whistles to communicate with each other. Such calls are often used when predators are close at hand. Calls vary in range and pitch for different classes of predators. Vocalizations are also used to advertize territorial boundaries. Barks against invasive males are frequent during the mating months. Like other Asiatic species, large-eared pikas have been known to give nocturnal calls. Suprisingly, neither O. macrotis and O. royalei are as vocal as other pika species. Because thse animals rely less on vocalizations as a means of communication, it has been suggested that O. macrotis uses other methods of communication, such as pheromones. (Orr, 1977)

As in all diurnal species, visual communication, including body posture, is probably important between conspecifics. Tactile communication occurs between mates, rivals, and between mothers and their young.

In general, pikas eat all available plant vegetation such as grasses, sedges, twigs, and flowers. During the first month after winter, there is a great deal of competition to consume new vegetation. Consumption of grasses and other plant-foods occurs fromt the end of the matter that has been bitten off. Lichens and mosses are also eaten if they are present and nearby pika dwellings. Ochontids use pathways to travel between feeding grounds.

Because pikas do not hibernate and food storage often runs low during late winter, they typically forage continuously during the winter months. When snow cover is heavy, pikas dig tunnels from their burrows to tree trunks. In the absence of other forage, pikas may nibble away the tree bark.

Two fecal types are produced, including a gelatinous, green excrement. To obtain vitamin B and other nutrients, pikas, like all lagomorphs, will consume their feces. (Orr, 1977)

Pikas are particularly vulnerable to weasels, canines, hawks, and owls and calling has evolved to alert nearby indivuals of approaching danger. Generally, there is a sentinel on the alert for strange sounds and movements. This individual often watches from a slope with an adequate view. Barks are initiated at the first sign of danger. Sentinals can escape to a nearby crevice for their own safety. Pikas usually take cover in the rocky debris when two short, distinctive calls, typical of an aerial predator, are given by the sentinel. When weasles are spotted, vocalization is generally restrained, and pikas hearing the call will silently escape and take cover. The strategy is different for avian and terrestrial predators because runways and tunnels are differentially accessible by these predators. (MacDonald, 1984; Orr, 1977; Yidong et al., 2004)

To the extent that these animals serve as prey, they have impact in local food webs. In addition, they are likely to influence local plant communities through their foraging behavior.

Large-eared pikas have been known to creep in and live among the walls of homes near their territory. In such circumstances, unattended food around the house is often nibbled at or stolen away to the nests. (MacDonald, 1984; Orr, 1977; Yidong et al., 2004)

These pikas have no known positive impact on human economies. Although other pikas make hay piles that can be used by domestic animals grazing in the area, this species is not known to make such hay piles. (Orr, 1977)

This species is not a conservation concern.

Ochotona macrotis and O. royalei have in the past been classified by taxonomists as the same species. However, modern day genetics suggests that they are separate species. Ochotona macrotis occurs at a higher elevation than its sister group, O. royalei. (MacDonald, 1984; Orr, 1977; Yidong et al., 2004)