Chinese red pika facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese red pika |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ochotona
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| Species: |
erythrotis
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| Chinese red pika range | |
The Chinese red pika (Ochotona erythrotis) is a small mammal. It belongs to the pika family. Like other pikas, it has short legs, a tiny tail, and round ears. What makes this pika special is its bright red fur. It lives in rocky areas, usually high up in the mountains. You can find it only in parts of China and Eastern Tibet.
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What Does It Look Like?
The Chinese red pika is one of the biggest pika types. It grows to be about 18 to 29 centimeters long. This pika has two different coats of fur. It has a winter coat and a summer coat.
Its winter fur is thicker. This helps it stay warm in cold weather. This coat is mostly grey. It has a small hint of red near its ears.
In summer, its fur changes. Its head and chest turn a rusty-red color. This red color slowly fades to grey towards its tail. The fur on its belly stays white all year round.
Pika Family Tree
The Chinese red pika is closely related to other pika species. Scientists once thought it was a subspecies of other pikas. But now they know it is its own unique species.
Its closest relative is believed to be Glover's pika (Ochotona gloveri). These two pikas live in different areas. This means they do not meet or breed with each other.
You can tell the Chinese red pika apart from other pikas by its fur color. Glover's pika has darker fur. Its summer fur is more brown. It has a strong rusty-red color on its nose, forehead, and ears. In winter, Glover's pika's coat is much lighter than the Chinese red pika's.
How They Have Babies
Chinese red pikas usually have two groups of babies each year. This happens between May and August. Each time, a mother pika typically has 3 to 7 young ones.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the Chinese red pika in China and Eastern Tibet. In China, they live in specific areas. These include East Qinghai, West Gansu, and Northern Sichuan provinces.
Their Home and Habitat
The Chinese red pika loves living among rocks. You can find them on cliffs and rocky slopes. They also live in grassy areas near rock formations. These areas are usually high up in the mountains. They live at altitudes between 600 and 1200 meters.
These pikas are very good at adapting to different places. They can make a home almost anywhere rocky. They are also burrowing animals. This means they dig tunnels underground. Their burrows are usually 1 to 2 meters long.
