Pika (disambiguation) facts for kids
A pika is a small, furry mammal that looks a bit like a rabbit, but with shorter, rounder ears. They are part of the rabbit family (Lagomorpha), but they belong to their own special group called Ochotona. Pikas are known for their loud, high-pitched calls, which is how they got their name!
Pikas are found in cold, mountainous regions around the world, mostly in Asia, North America, and parts of Eastern Europe. They are very adaptable and can live in harsh environments, from rocky slopes to alpine meadows.
What is a Pika?
Pikas are small, usually measuring about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) long and weighing around 4 to 14 ounces (120 to 400 grams). They have soft, thick fur that helps them stay warm in their chilly homes. Their fur can be different shades of brown, gray, or reddish-brown, helping them blend in with their surroundings.
Unlike rabbits, pikas have short, stubby tails that are often hidden by their fur. They also have small, rounded ears and short legs. Pikas are very quick and agile, which helps them move around their rocky habitats and escape from predators.
Where Pikas Live
Pikas live in cool, rocky areas, often high up in mountains. They prefer places with lots of rocks and boulders where they can find shelter from predators and harsh weather. Some pikas live in burrows they dig themselves, while others live in natural cracks and crevices in the rocks.
There are about 30 different species of pikas, and each one has adapted to its specific environment. For example, the American pika lives in the mountains of western North America, while many other species are found across Asia, including the Himalayas and Siberia.
Pika Diet and Behavior
Pikas are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, wildflowers, and other green plants they find in their habitat. What's really interesting about pikas is how they prepare for winter!
During the warmer months, pikas spend a lot of time collecting and drying plants. They create little piles of hay, called "haystacks," near their dens. These haystacks are their food supply for the winter when fresh plants are scarce. This behavior is why they are sometimes called "haymakers." They carefully arrange the plants to dry in the sun, which prevents them from molding.
Pikas are mostly active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They are very territorial and will often make loud calls to warn other pikas to stay away from their patch of land. These calls also help them communicate with each other about predators or other dangers.
Pika Life Cycle
Pikas usually have one or two litters of babies each year. A litter typically has between one and six young, called pups. The pups are born blind and helpless, but they grow very quickly. Their parents take good care of them, bringing them food and keeping them safe in the den.
Young pikas become independent after about a month and a half. They then start to explore their surroundings and learn how to forage for food and build their own haystacks. Pikas typically live for about 3 to 7 years in the wild.
Pikas and Climate Change
Pikas are very sensitive to temperature changes. Because they live in cold, high-altitude environments, they can easily overheat. As global temperatures rise, their habitats are becoming warmer, forcing them to move higher up the mountains to find cooler places. If they run out of cooler places to go, their populations could be at risk. Scientists are studying pikas closely to understand how climate change is affecting them and what can be done to help protect these unique animals.
Other Meanings of Pika
While the most common meaning of "pika" refers to the small mammal, you might also hear the word in other contexts.
Pikachu
One very famous use of "Pika" is related to Pikachu, a popular character from the Pokémon franchise. Pikachu is known for saying its name, "Pikachu," which is often shortened to "Pika." This electric-type Pokémon is one of the most recognizable characters in the world.
