Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437023
Afghan Pika
Ochotona rufescensAlso known as Red Pika, Afghan Mountain Pika
Afghan pikas are resilient, vocal lagomorphs adapted to the arid mountain slopes and stony steppes of the Iranian Plateau. Unlike northern alpine relatives, this species constructs extensive burrow systems beneath boulders and clay soil to shelter from extreme summer heat and harsh desert winters. During late summer and autumn, individuals harvest nearby herbs and shrubs, curing the vegetation in dry rock caches to sustain themselves through scarce winter months.
BurrowingHerbivoreArid Adapted
Licensed referenceMohammad Amin Ghaffari / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Shrubs
- Herbs
Predators
- Foxes
- Raptors
- Weasels
ThreatsOvergrazing by livestock, prolonged droughts, and habitat alteration
HabitatsArid mountains, scree slopes, rocky deserts, and dry foothill steppes
Life span2–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOchotonidae
- SpeciesOchotona rufescens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Scan rocky outcrops when you hear sharp, alarm-like vocalizations echoing across slopes.
- Protect Caches: Avoid disturbing piled plant material stored near rock crevices and burrow entrances.
- Use Optics: Scan scree fields from a distance with binoculars to view active foraging behavior.
Close Relative 
Close Relative Matthew.j.mcgraw / CC BY 4.0 · cc-byClose Relative
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