A pocket gopher of mountain habitats.

Native status: Native to western US mountains

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 14–18 cm; tail 6–8 cm
Weight80–200 g
LifespanWild 3–4 years
OrderRodentia
FamilyGeomyidae

§ Encyclopedia

The mountain pocket gopher is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to California and Nevada. The Sierra Nevada are part of its range.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown rodent with small eyes; massive front claws for digging; external fur-lined cheek pouches.

Similar species. Other Thomomys species. Moles (no external pouches).

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Roots, tubers, bulbs of mountain plants.

Behavior. Western mountain pocket gopher. Excavates extensive underground tunnel systems; important soil-engineering species in mountain meadows.

§ Range

Western mountains

§ Habitat

Mountain meadows

§ Threats

Climate change.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support alpine habitat conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016