A Preliminary Study of Caching Behavior of the Plateau Pika

We studied caching behavior in the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae in the Dawu, Guo Luo, Qinghai Province from July to October of 2004 when caching behaviour occurs. Counts of cradaled plant species were obtained using placement, quadrat sampling, and transection methods. The results showed that in the growing season plateau pika cached hay-piles for feeding in the winter. Plant species chosen by the plateau pika reflected their habitat vegetation. Plants collected by plateau pika were placed on plants with spacious leaves to prevent the hay-piles from rotting. The results of excavation indicated that plateau pika habitually store food in holes.