Turuchan Pika

The Turuchan pika (Ochotona turuchanensis) (Russian: Туруханская пищуха, romanized: Turuhanskaya pischuha) is a species of pika found on the Central Siberian Plateau in Russia. It is a small, rock-dwelling pika measuring 15.8 to 22 centimeters (6.2 to 8.7 inches) long and weighing 113 to 171 grams (4.0 to 6.0 ounces). Its fur coat varies in color with the seasons, changing from mostly red in summer to gray in winter. The pika is active during the day and avoids both high and low temperatures. It also tends to stay out of strong winds. Like most pikas, the Turuchan pika uses alert calls to communicate. Adult pikas have been seen playing alone or socially with other adults.
Turuchan pikas have a varied diet of plants, and follow a habit of gathering food to store it for winter in haypiles that is common among pikas. Their diet varies with the season, but one of their most preferred plant species is the common nettle. Mating takes place from June to August. The species was previously thought to be a subspecies of the northern pika, which it is very similar to in appearance, though it is more closely related to the alpine pika. Because it is widespread throughout its range and reportedly...