Mating takes place during a short period in the early summer. ( Orr, 1977)īoth male and female large-eared pikas become sexually mature around one year of age. During mid-summer, males become highly territorial and aggressive male-male chases occur once per hour. The most severe period of male agressiveness occurs during the fall, after reproduction has occured. ![]() ![]() It is not until the young are slightly grown that males become territorial. Suprisingly, aggressiveness among male ochotonids is reduced during the onset of female reproduction. As in other lagomorphs, ovulation is induced by copulation. It is not known whether courtship exists among ochotonids. These animals appear to mate polygynously. macrotis, which experience harsh climates and conditions with much snow. The metabolic rate of ochotonids is high, particularly those species such as O. It has been suggested that sexual differences in timing of molt is related to reproduction. Females often lose their fur later in the season than male ochotonids. Unlike rabbits and hares, ochotonids have visible toe pads surrounded by well furred feet.Īmong pikas in general, two molts occur yearly which vary in color, due to seasonal changes. The pelage is thick, soft, and slightly silky. Like other lagomorphs, ochotonids have an extra pair of insisors behind the first. This particular ochotonid has the largest pinnae of any member of the family, hence its common name. These animals are approximately 150 to 200 mm in length. Large-eared pikas are similar physically to Ochonta royalei, but with larger ears. This particular species can occur at elevations as high as 6,100 m. ![]() Rocks with crusty white urine stains also suggest pika presence. Pellets are usually confined in consistent piles among the talus. One can often identify the presence of a pika by the presence of droppings. Spaces that are too large may permit predators to reach the pikas. The size of the rocks is important for pikas because these animals use natural crevices and tunnels to travel from one location to another. The rocks serve as both a home and refuge against predators. In general, pikas establish nests among rocky debris on talus slopes formed by glaciers. 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. 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.
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