Western pocket gopher.

Native status: Native to western US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 12–17 cm; tail 5–8 cm
Weight70–180 g
LifespanWild 2–3 years
OrderRodentia
FamilyGeomyidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Mazama pocket gopher is a smooth-toothed pocket gopher restricted to the Pacific Northwest. The herbivorous species ranges from coastal Washington, through Oregon, and into north-central California. Four subspecies of the Mazama Pocket Gopher are classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, including T. m. pugetensis, T. m. tumuli , T. m. glacialis, and T. m. yelmensis. The Mazama Pocket Gopher is one of the smallest of 35 species in the pocket gopher family.

Source: Wikipedia — Mazama pocket gopher Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown rodent with massive front claws; external pouches.

Similar species. Other Thomomys species.

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Roots, tubers, bulbs.

Behavior. Western US pocket gopher. Multiple species exist; expert ID often required.

§ Range

Western North America

§ Habitat

Diverse habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the western pocket gopher is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support diverse ecosystems.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016