The effects of slope orientation and temperature upon activity of the north american pika, <i>Ochotona princeps</i>

Abstract

In the face of global climate change, it is important to know how ecosystems will be affected so that conservation efforts may be more successful. In mountainous regions, effects of climate change may be especially pronounced due to steep elevation gradients and specific habitat requirements. The North American pika, Ochotona princeps, is highly sensitive to warming climates and may be a keystone species in many of the areas it is found. I asked how temperature affected the activity of pikas and how the orientation of the talus slopes they live in affected temperature. I found that more pikas are active in cooler temperatures of early morning than later in the day when it is warmer. Also, north facing study sites started out cooler in the morning than south facing study sites but became warmer than the south facing sites later in the morning. These results suggest that pikas are sensitive to warmer temperatures and also show how effects other than direct solar radiation, such as air currents, can result in heterogeneous heating of mountainous landscapes.

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