New Species of Pika Found IN higher altitudes of the Himalayas in Sikkim.

A new species of a small mammal in the rabbit family has been discovered in the higher altitudes of the Himalayas in Sikkim.Identified as ‘Ochotona sikimaria’ — the new pika species was discovered by the study based on genetic data and skull measurements. These members of the rabbit family look like tailless rats and have been in the news in North America for their sensitivity to impacts of

climate change, like increasing temperature, which has caused several of the populations in pika series go extinct.

Unlike other mammalian species inhabiting such harsh environments, pikas do not hibernate. They prepare for winter by collecting and storing hay piles for their winter food.

New Species of Pika Found IN  higher altitudes of the Himalayas in Sikkim.   ‘Ochotona sikimaria’