The Turuchan Pika (Ochotona turuchanensis) as an Ecosystem Engineer: Its Influence on the Growth of the Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) on Taluses.

Abstract—The abundance of the common nettle on taluses was found to be strongly correlated with the abundance of signs of Turuchan pika occurrence such as feces, latrines, and haypiles collected by pikas in the crevices between and under the stones. We believe this activity of pikas provides nitrates and thus facilitates the growth of the common nettle, a ruderal nitrophilous plant, on taluses. On the other hand, pikas selectively store nettles. As a result, pikas can be considered as both "ecosystem engineers" and "niche constructors." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]