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月期间开展，期间对鼠兔（Pika）进行捕捉、麻醉、佩戴彩色耳标完成个体标记，开展非致死性采样后，在原捕捉位点将其放归。研究样地覆盖海拔与坡向的梯度序列，可用于对比分析鼠兔对气候及地下微气候变化的响应模式。通过在已标记鼠兔的领地内布设数据记录仪，可监测积雪覆盖度与地下温度的日动态变化。针对目标领地，至少开展1次样带采样以表征区域可利用植被特征，且每年至少完成1次数据记录仪维护与鼠兔存活状况记录。本研究采集的用于遗传学与生理学研究的样本包括体外寄生虫、血液、唾液、尿液、粪便及毛发，同时记录鼠兔的性别、发育阶段、繁殖状态、体重、足长与体温等基础信息。