Two New Species of <i>Ochotona</i> (Mammalia, Lagomorpha) From Xizang, China

During small mammal faunal surveys conducted in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, in 2003, 2023, and 2024, we collected two previously unidentifiable taxa of pikas (<i>Ochotona</i>). Phylogenetic analyses based on both mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences resolved these specimens as distinct lineages within the <i>O. macrotis</i> and <i>O. forresti</i> species groups, both in the subgenus <i>Conothoa</i>. Morphological comparisons further supported their uniqueness. Consequently, we described them here as two new species. One new species, <i>O. galunglaensis</i> sp. nov., collected from Motuo and Bomi counties, exhibits the following diagnostic characteristics: (1) diminutive body size (mean head-body length < 150 mm); (2) reduced auricular dimensions (ear length < 18 mm); (3) summer pelage exhibits brown-red on top of head, beneath eyes, and shoulders; neck bears a gray patch and ventral light brown-gray; (4) without oval foramen; foramina incisivum narrow and palatal foramina merged; and (5) premaxillae on both sides of foramina incisivum have a tendency to close in some specimens. The other new species, <i>O. legbona</i> sp. nov., collected from Cuona county, is unique as follows: (1) comparable head-body length to <i>O. macrotis</i>, but with much shorter ears (mean 23 mm vs. 31-35 mm in congeners); (2) characteristic black vibrissae lining the inner pinnae; (3) summer pelage exhibits brown-red on head, shoulder, and neck; ventral brown-yellow; and (4) without oval foramen; foramina incisivum narrow and palatal foramina merged. Our findings highlight the previously underestimated diversity within <i>Conothoa</i> and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of pika diversity in the Himalayan region.