Hokkaido’s ‘Survivor of the Ice Age’ Ezo Pika Small Mammal Gets Ready for Winter
An Ezo pika pops out from a rocky patch at Daisetsuzan National Park in Shikaoi, Hokkaido. Also known as Ezo nakiusagi, the species is believed to have migrated from Eurasia — which was connected by land to Japan during the Ice Age — and is often referred to as a “survivor of the Ice Age.” The animals measure about 15 centimeters in length and inhabit rocky areas in cool mountainous regions. They…
In the remote mountainous regions of Hokkaido, Japan, a small mammal known as the Ezo pika is preparing for the winter months. Also referred to as Ezo nakiusagi, this species is considered a "survivor of the Ice Age." The Ezo pika is believed to have migrated from Eurasia, where it was connected to Japan by land during the Ice Age. Typically measuring around 15 centimeters in length, the Ezo pika is found in rocky areas of cool mountainous regions.
Unlike other animals, the Ezo pika does not hibernate during the winter. Instead, it stores food between rocks to sustain itself throughout the colder months.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
