TitleThe role of geography, environment, and genetic divergence on the distribution of pikas in the Himalaya
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsDahal N, Kumar S, Noon BR, Nayak R, Lama RPhunjok, Ramakrishnan U
JournalECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Date Published01/2020
Abstract

Pikas (Ochotona Link, 1795) are high‐altitude specialist species making them a useful bioindicator species to warming in high‐altitude ecosystem. The Himalayan Mountains are an important part of their range, supporting approximately 23%–25% of total pika species worldwide, yet we lack basic information on the distribution patterns. We combine field‐based surveys with genetics‐based identification and phylogeny to identify differences in species‐environment relationships. Further, we suggest putative evolutionary causes for the observed niche patterns.

DOI10.1002/ece3.6007