Pika demography data for west knoll and Indian Peaks wilderness, 2008 - ongoing.

Pikas are captured, anesthetized, marked with colored ear-tags, non-lethally sampled, and released at point of capture during June-October. Study sites include a gradient of elevation and slope aspect, allowing a comparative study of pika response to variation in climate and sub-surface microclimate. Daily variation in snow cover and sub-surface temperatures are measured using data loggers placed within the territories of marked pikas. Focal territories are revisited at least once to characterize available vegetation via transect sampling and at least annually to service data loggers and record pika survival. Samples collected for genetic and physiological studies include ectoparasites, blood, saliva, urine, feces and hair as well as records of sex, stage, reproductive status, weight, foot length and body temperature.

本研究于6月至10月期间，对鼠兔（Pika）开展捕捉、麻醉、佩戴彩色耳标标记、非致死性采样，随后在捕获原地将其放归。研究样地涵盖海拔与坡向梯度，可用于对比分析鼠兔对气候及地下微气候变化的响应。研究人员通过在标记鼠兔的领地内布设数据记录仪，监测积雪覆盖度与地下温度的日变化规律。核心研究领地至少被回访一次，以通过样带采样法对区域内可利用植被进行特征描述；同时每年至少回访一次，以维护数据记录仪并记录鼠兔的存活情况。用于遗传与生理学研究的采集样本包括体外寄生虫、血液、唾液、尿液、粪便与毛发，同时同步记录每只个体的性别、发育阶段、繁殖状态、体重、足长与体温。