Account
What the sources say about this taxon, as written.
activity · 
Plazi
Activity patterns. Activity patterns of Steppe Pikas change seasonally and can be traced by loud vocalization. Steppe Pikas can be active throughout the day but avoid midday heat and windy periods. They are most active at dusk and first part of the night. Diurnal activity is characteristic only in spring. The Steppe Pika tends to be secretive;it is usually only heard vocalizing or seen for a few seconds. It probably spends most time inside burrows; amount of time spent aboveground is shorter in the western part ofits distribution.
biology_ecology · Plazi
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Steppe Pikas move fast and dash under cover of vegetation or rocks. Home ranges are 80-300 m?, depending on habitat. Densities are 1000-8000 ind/km?. On edges of its distribution and in suboptimal habitats, Steppe Pikas are solitary, with densities below 100 ind/km?. Areas occupied have well-marked trails and piles of pellets, either in latrines (in eastern part of distribution) or scattered irregularly (western part). A Steppe Pika “marks” its home range with loud calls, or “songs,” that can be heard from 1-2 km. When calling, a Steppe Pika sits on its hindfeet and turnsits head upward. Steppe Pikas dig temporary and breeding burrows. Temporary burrow is short (less than 2 m) and shallow. Breeding burrow has several branches and breeding chambers; it opens with 1-5 entrances. Depth is 20-50 cm, and size is c.1-5 m*. In winter, Steppe Pikas live under snow but above the ground’s surface in spherical nests made of dry vegetation.
iNaturalist