About Ochotona roylii (Ogilby, 1839)
Royle's pika, scientifically named Ochotona roylii (Ogilby, 1839), is the most common pika species found in the Himalayas. Adults of this species measure 17 to 22 centimeters in length. It has a slightly arched head, a rufous-grey body, a chestnut-colored head, and sparse hair in front of its ears. It can be confused with the large-eared pika, which lives in the same geographic area. Royle's pika mainly inhabits open rocky mountain edges or slopes, or ground covered by conifer trees, including pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests. It has also been found near areas where humans live. It is a crepuscular foraging species, meaning it is inactive during midday hours. This midday inactivity is worsened by rising temperatures, which cause heat stress for the species. Foraging activity increases during the monsoon season, when more food is available. Royle's pika does not build its own nest. Instead, it uses narrow creeks and already existing burrow systems as nests, filling them with hay piles and pine leaves. It also uses rocky areas on mountains to take shelter and escape from predators. Typically, Royle's pika lives a solitary life, and has a low population density across its range. In the Nepal Himalayas, its population density is 12.5 individuals per hectare; in the Garhwal Himalayas, it reaches 16.2 individuals per hectare. It is a synanthrope. Unlike many other pika species, it does not often store food by building haypiles. Royle's pika produces 2 to 3 offspring each year.
