Field Guide/Mammals/Northern Pocket Gopher

Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys Talpoides Thomomys_talpoides.jpg Northern Pocket Gopher Geomyidae Linzey A.V. 2008 Thomomys talpoides IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/42597/0 (October 4, 2012) The average adult northern pocket gopher weighs 2.75-5 ounces (or 60-160 grams). Their total body length ranges from 6.5-9 inches (or 165-260 mm and their tail length vary from 1.6-2.9 inches (or 40-74 mm). McMahon J.A. 1999 Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Thomomys_talpoides/#physical_description (October 11, 2012) Northern pocket gophers have a tubed-shaped body, small ears and eyes, and short smooth fur that is brownish to tan. The mammal also displays a short, hairless tail and dark patches behind the ears. Streubel D. 2000 Thomomys talpoides http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/Rod/Gophers/npogo/npgo.htm (October 11, 2012) Darker fur color, smaller eyes and black patches of hair around the ears distinguish it from similar species such as the Idaho pocket gopher. Alaback Paul Mammal Description http://nhguide.dbs.umt.edu/index.php?c=mammals&m=desc&id=47 (October 4, 2012) This species has the greatest range of any pocket gopher in North America, ranging from Alberta to Saskatchewan, south to northern Arizona and New Mexico, and from Washington east to Minnesota. McMahon J.A. 1999 Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Thomomys_talpoides/#physical_description (October 11, 2012) Northern pocket gophers occupy a great variety of habitats. They are commonly found in deep soils along streams and cultivated fields. They can also be found in rocky soils and clay, in bushy areas, and even in Alpine tundra. McMahon J.A. 1999 Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Thomomys_talpoides/#physical_description (October 11, 2012) Their diet consists of roots of forbs, cacti and grasses. Streubel D. 2000 Thomomys talpoides http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/Rod/Gophers/npogo/npgo.htm (October 11, 2012) Northern gophers are often found digging, constructing elaborate networks of tunnels. They are very territorial and aggressive, except during mating season. There are brief periods of inactivity during the summer and winter but do not truly hibernate at any time. McMahon J.A. 1999 Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Thomomys_talpoides/#physical_description (October 11, 2012) Female northern pocket gophers breed once a year. Mating periods vary depending on weather and latitude, but often occur from March to mid-June. A female produces a litter of 4-7 young after a gestation period of 19-20 months. Streubel D. 2000 Thomomys talpoides http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/Rod/Gophers/npogo/npgo.htm (October 11, 2012) The species can live up to 6 years in captivity. In the wild, they are expected to live between 18-24 months. Every 5 years there is a total population replacement. Similar to other mammals, the females live longer than males, so there are times in the late summer where the majority of the species population is female. Streubel D. 2000 Thomomys talpoides http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/Rod/Gophers/npogo/npgo.htm (October 11, 2012) The northern pocket gopher gets its name from their fur-lined cheek pouches, or pockets, which are used for carrying food. Their whiskers and tail serve as sensory mechanisms to assist them in navigating in the dark. Link R n.d. Living with wildlife in the pacific northwest http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/gophers.html (October 11, 2012) Another interesting note is that pocket gophers are rarely observed above ground. And when they are above ground, they never venture very far away from their burrow entrance. Linzey A.V. 2008 Thomomys talpoides IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/42597/0 (October 4, 2012) References