```html Discover the intriguing world of the Afghan Pika (<i>Ochotona rufescens</i>), a small herbivorous mammal thriving in the harsh alpine environments of Afghanistan's Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains. Learn about its unique physical traits, social behaviors, and critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of its high-altitude habitat, while also uncovering the conservation challenges it faces due to habitat loss and climate change. ```