Sympatric pikas partition microhabitats differently across a spatial-elevational gradient

Abstract How closely related, ecologically similar species co-occur and navigate competition remains a central question in community ecology. Microhabitat partitioning in patchy environments can support the co-existence of sympatric species on small spatial scales. We quantified niche spaces and directional niche overlaps of three cold-adapted, high-altitude pikas (Ochotona spp.) from the Trans-Himalayas to understand their responses to interspecific competition across elevational and spatial scales. Vegetation- and landscape-level features were documented across elevational bands. The social, burrowing O. nubrica preferred tall stands and high shrub cover on pastures (2800–4500 m). Conversely, the social, burrowing O. ladacensis emerged as a high-elevation specialist (4200–6000 m), occupying stunted alpine scrub and steppes. The asocial, rock-dwelling O. macrotis preferred microhabitats with high rock cover across elevations (2800–6000 m), associating with significantly greener microhabitats at lower elevations in summer. Visualizing directional niche overlaps revealed scale-dependent patterns of niche segregation; species functioning as generalists at large spatial scales behaved as specialists at smaller scales. As climate change and shifting land-use patterns threaten cold-adapted Himalayan specialists, this nuanced understanding of microhabitat associations in sympatric zones is vital for informing conservation planning.