Turuchan pika
Ochotona turuchanensis is a mammal of the family of pikas ( Ochotonidae ) among lagomorphs ( Lagomorpha ). Their range extends from the southern region of the Yenisei River up to Lake Baikal and the central region of the Lena in Russia.
Features
Ochotona turuchanensis is a medium sized pika with a body length from 15.8 to 19 centimeters.
Dissemination
Ochotona turuchanensis is endemic in Russia, where its range from the southern region of the Yenisei River to Lake Baikal and the central region of the Lena ranges.
Way of life
Over the life of this pikas are very few information. The habitat is mainly in rocky areas and the pika lives between stones. The animals are active during the day and avoid activities during the night due to the low temperatures in Siberia. Like all pikas they are herbivores, with this type less generalist fed than some other types.
The breeding season extends from mid June to end of August and the females give birth to a litter on average 3.4 pups. This can be observed from the end of July.
System
Ochotona turuchanensis was assigned as an independent species the pikas ( genus Ochotona ) and the subgenus Pika, subspecies are not known. Originally the species as a subspecies of the Northern pikas ( Ochotona hyperborea ) was considered, with whom he lives sympatric in much of its range. Other authors, he was assigned to the Altai pikas (O. alpina). A final clarification of the species status is still pending, recent data on molkularbiologischer level consolidate an assignment as an independent art
Threats and conservation
The species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN) due to their large distribution area as not at risk ( least concern ). Threats to the stock are not currently known.