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Energy Dynamics of Colorado Pikas
Author(s) -
Johnson Donald R.,
Maxwell Marvin H.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1935657
Subject(s) - pika , ecology , feces , zoology , biology , herbivore , low energy , bark (sound) , national park , physics , atomic physics
Like other lagomorphs, pikas reingest fecal matter which is high in protein content and energy value (5.2 kcal/g). The plant food stored in haypiles is low in caloric content (4.5 kcal/g) but some populations utilize energy—rich aspen bark (5.2 kcal/g) during the winter and spring months. The daily energy intake of a non—gravid, non—lactating, adult pika (171 g) is estimated at 54.8 kcal of which 68% is assimilated. Food intake, and perhaps feces reingestion, is increased during pregnancy and lactation.