| Kazakh pika | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Lagomorpha |
| Family: | Ochotonidae |
| Genus: | Ochotona |
| Species: | O. opaca |
| Binomial name | |
| Ochotona opaca Argyropulo, 1930 | |
 | |
| Kazakh pika range | |
TheKazakh pika (Ochotona opaca) is a species ofpika endemic toKazakhstan.[2] It is found at the elevation of 400–1,000 m (1,300–3,300 ft) in semi-desert areas with rocks and shrubs.[3] It was previously a population ofPallas's pika before being split into its own species.The Kazach pika was also thought to be the Helan Shan pika, but was determined genetically distinct enough to be its own species.[4]
The Kazakh pika is medium-sized. Itsdorsal fur is ocherous gray. Itsventral fur is sandy or whitish. During the winter, its dorsal fur is long, soft, and yellowish gray, and its belly is whitish. Hairs above its neck gland form a small brown patch. Its ears are rounded, with light margins.[3]
