Ochotona cansus is endemic to China (Smith and Xie 2008). The geographic distribution extends from northern Xizang and Sichuan, up through central and eastern Qinghai to the southern regions of Gansu (Smith et al. 1990). O. c. morosa occurs in Shaanxi (Smith and Xie 2008). It occupies elevations of 2,700-3,800 m (Smith and Xie 2008).