Koslov's pika
Ochotona koslowi is a mammal of the family of pikas ( Ochotonidae ) among lagomorphs ( Lagomorpha ). Its distribution area is limited to a few areas along the Kunlun in Chinese tundra.
Features
Ochotona koslowi is a great pika with a body length of 22-24 cm and a weight of 150 to 180 grams. He has in summer a bright solid color, whitish to yellow- brown fur with a maroon back staining. The ventral side is covered with a thick, yellow- gray or white fur. In winter, the back color is just like the rest of the body Coloration yellow white. The thickness and the density of the fur is in this type larger than any other species of pikas. The ears reach a length of 16 to 20 millimeters and are yellow white with whitish border.
The skull differs significantly from that of other pikas: He is very strongly curved and has a very narrow interorbital region, and a short muzzle with comparatively broad and short nasal bones.
Dissemination
Ochotona koslowi is endemic in the People's Republic of China. Within the very limited area, the distribution is highly fragmented and focuses on three well-known regions of the Chinese tundra. The locality of the type specimen of the scientific first description was called " Valley of the Winds ": specified ( German " Valley of the Wind " ) and was probably located in the central to western Kunlun near the border of the provinces of Qinghai, Xizang and Xinjiang. In addition, the nature of Mount Kongke in the transition of the Kunlun to the Kala - Kunlun and in Arjin Mountain Nature Reserve occurs southeast. According to recent investigations, are the distribution areas within a region between Aqik Lake, Yueya River and Tuzi - Lake parallel to the Kala Kunlun Mountains in a 800 km long east -west strips.
Way of life
Over the life of this pikas are very few information. He lives on sandy mountain meadows at altitudes 4200-4800 meters. The vegetation is dominated by cold tolerant grasses such as Carex moocroftii and Stipa purpurea. Ochotona koslowi is largely diurnal and feeds generalist plants, the preferred plants falcate, among others, Oxytropis, Androsace acrolasia and Myricaria prostrata are. He digs flat buildings of no more than 30 to 40 centimeters depth and sociable lives in family groups in larger densities 44-152 buildings per hectare.
Unlike other types, this type planted little away. The females get only one litter per year, with four to eight pups per litter; they are equipped with 8 teats, the first pair is located in front of the front legs.
System
Ochotona koslowi was assigned as an independent species the pikas ( genus Ochotona ) and the subgenus Conothoa, subspecies are not known.
Based on molecular data Ochotona ladacensis was described as sister species of O. koslowi.
Threats and conservation
The type is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN) due to its very limited distribution area of less than 5000 square kilometers and the sharp decline in populations and habitats usable as threatened ( endangered ) classified. After the first description in 1884 the species was not documented until the 1980s and it is today known only from a few localities.