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{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
{{Cleanup|date=May 2009}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Taxobox
| name = Baird's Pocket Gopher
| name = Baird's pocket gopher
| image =
| image = GeomysBreviceps.png
| status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Linzey, A.V. & NatureServe (Hammerson, G.) |year=2008|id=136840|title=Geomys breviceps|downloaded=29 May 2009}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn|author=Cassola, F.|year=2016|errata=2017|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T136840A22217664.en|page=e.T136840A115212715|title=''Geomys breviceps''|access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref>
⚫
| taxon = Geomys breviceps
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
⚫
| authority = [[Spencer Fullerton Baird|Baird]], 1855
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
⚫
| synonyms =
| subphylum = [[Vertebrata]]
}}{{More citations needed|date=February 2024}}
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
⚫
'''Baird's pocket gopher''' or the '''Louisiana pocket gopher''' ('''''Geomys breviceps''''')<ref name="smith">Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. "Geomys breviceps." North American Mammals. 2009. 7 May 2009. [http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=97]</ref> is a species of [[pocket gopher]] that is native to the [[southern United States]]. In total, there are three almost identical species of [[Geomys|eastern pocket gopher]]; ''[[Geomys attwateri]]'', ''[[Geomys bursarius|G. bursarius]]'', and ''G. breviceps''. ''G. breviceps'' is larger in size, ''G. attwateri'' is medium-sized and ''G. bursarius'' is a bit smaller.<ref name="davis" /> Other than by size variation they are not identifiable by external features. Baird's pocket gophers are small [[rodents]] with most of their weight on the top half of their bodies.
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
| suborder = [[Castorimorpha]]
| familia = [[Pocket gopher|Geomyidae]]
| genus = ''[[Geomys]]''
| species = '''''G. brevisceps'''''
⚫
| binomial = ''Geomys breviceps''
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[Spencer Fullerton Baird|Baird]], 1855)
⚫
| synonyms = }}


⚫
Baird's pocket gopher is native to [[East Texas|eastern Texas]], western [[Louisiana]], eastern [[Oklahoma]] and southwestern [[Arkansas]].<ref name=smith/> It is a burrowing creature, meaning it digs tunnels and generally lives underground, except during the rainy seasons. It has sharp, long, curved front claws designed specifically for digging. Generally, it is safe from predators since it lives underground, though other burrowing rodents such as [[badger]]s and [[long-tailed weasel]]s may pose a threat. Baird's pocket gopher has [[bacteria]] in its digestive system, allowing it to digest various [[Poaceae|grasses]] and it is able to re-ingest [[Feces|fecal]] pellets.<ref name=smith/> It is [[Animal sexual behaviour#Polygamy|polygamous]] and has a high reproductive rate, which is one of the main reasons for its survival. On average, Baird's pocket gopher has two to three babies per litter.<ref name=davis/> It lives about 1 to 2 years in the wild.<ref name=davis>{{cite web |author1=Davis, W. B. |author2=Schmidly, D. J. |name-list-style=amp|title=Baird's Pocket Gopher |publisher=The Mammals of Texas-Online Edition |year=1997 |access-date=10 May 2009 |url=http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/geombrev.htm}}</ref>
⚫
'''Baird’s Pocket Gopher''' or '''Louisiana Pocket Gopher''' (''Geomys breviceps'')<ref name=smith>Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. "Geomys breviceps." North American Mammals. 2009. 7 May 2009. [http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=97]</ref> is a species of [[pocket gopher]] that is native to the [[Southern United States]]. In total, there are three almost identical species of [[Geomys|eastern pocket gopher]]; ''[[Geomys attwateri]]'', ''[[Geomys bursarius]]'', and ''[[Geomys breviceps]]''. ''Geomys breviceps'' are larger in size, the ''Geomys attwateri'' are medium and the ''Geomys bursarius'' are a bit smaller.<ref name=davis/> The only variation is in size, but other than this they are un-identifiable by external features. Baird’s Pocket Gophers are small rodents with the majority of their weight set on their top half.


== Description ==
⚫
Baird’s Pocket Gopher is native to [[East Texas|eastern Texas]], western [[Louisiana]], eastern [[Oklahoma]] and southwestern [[Arkansas]].<ref name=smith/> It is a burrowing creature, meaning it digs tunnels and generally lives underground, except during the rainy seasons. It has sharp, long, curved front claws designed specifically for digging. Generally, they are safe from predators since it lives underground, though other burrowing rodents such as badgers and long tailed weasels may pose a threat. Baird’s Pocket Gopher has bacteria in its digestive system, allowing it to digest various grasses and they are able to re-ingest fecal pellets.<ref name=smith/> It is [[polygamous]] and has a high reproductive rate which is one of the main reasons for its survival. On average, Baird’s Pocket Gopher has two to three babies per litter.<ref name=davis/> It lives about 1 to 2 years in the wild.<ref name=davis>{{cite web |author=Davis, W. B. & Schmidly, D. J. |title=Baird's Pocket Gopher |publisher=The Mammals of Texas-Online Edition |year=1997 |accessdate=10 May 2009 |url=http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/TMOT1/geombrev.html}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
⚫
The pocket gophers are considered to be medium to small in size in the order [[Rodentia]]. Baird's pocket gopher has a cylinder shaped body with most of its weight carried near its head. The [[zygomatic arch]] is shorter than the width of the mouth, meaning the dorsal of the animal exceeds the [[jugal]] bone. The neck is a little thinner but the heaviest part of the body is carried on the back of the head. The eyes are very small and beadlike and the ears are identified only by a meager flap of skin that follows the top of the temple. The [[cheek pouch]]es are fur-lined and used for transporting food. The body gradually tapers from the head to the tail, widening a little at the thighs.


⚫
Short hair covers the body and ranges in color from pale brown to black and is usually paler towards the belly area. The [[tail]] is short, thick, and bare with very little hair found at the base and averaging {{convert|65|mm|in|abbr=on}} in length. The front feet are used for digging and the feet appear as long curved claws; the rear feet are smaller with an average length of {{convert|31|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The animals look identical to ''G. attwateri'' and ''G. bursarius.'' Only [[genetic testing]] and range location can distinguish them.<ref name="SudMolSYST">{{cite journal |last1=Sudman |first1=Philip |title=Molecular Systematics of Pocket Gophers of the Genus Geomys |journal=Journal of Mammalogy |date=24 August 2006 |volume=87 |issue=4 |pages=668–676 |doi=10.1644/05-MAMM-A-349R2.1 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The males have an average weight of {{convert|180|–|200|g|oz|abbr=on}} and a [[Skull|cranium]] length of {{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}, while the average weight for females is {{convert|120|–|160|g|oz|abbr=on}} with a cranium length of {{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}.
== Habitat ==


== Distribution and habitat ==
Baird's Pocket Gopher is commonly located on the Gulf Coastal Plains of Eastern Texas in three different soil types. It is found in fine [[sand]]y Lufkin and Ochlocknee soil types where the [[topsoil]] has a depth of less than {{convert|10|cm|in}}. The third soil type, Wilson sandy [[loam]], becomes hard and compact when it dries, therefore ''G. breviceps'' is not inclined to habituate itself in any soil made of dense clay.
Baird's pocket gopher is commonly located on the [[Gulf Coastal Plain]]s of eastern [[Texas]] in three different [[soil]] types. It is found in fine [[sand]]y Lufkin as well as in Ochlocknee soil types where the [[topsoil]] has a depth of less than {{convert|10|cm|in}}. The third soil type, Wilson sandy [[loam]], becomes hard and compact when it dries, therefore ''G. breviceps'' is not inclined to habituate itself in any soil made of dense clay. The species is less likely to be in soil that has a high moisture content.


The species is less likely to be in soil that has a high moisture content as well. Baird’s pocket gopher lives a solitary life underground with the ability to create burrows. The only time a gopher may retreat from its burrow is during wet months, to avoid being flooded out. Burrows are the common form of living quarters that the pocket gopher creates. On average each burrow is {{convert|6|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter and are found at depths of {{convert|10|-|68|cm|in|abbr=on}} underground, making it possible for only one adult gopher to occupy a single burrow system. Burrow systems are very complex and range from {{convert|55|-|180|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length. The tunnels meander aimlessly through various feeding areas, which indicates that burrowing is primarily done in the search for food. An average mound created by the ''Geomys breviceps'' is about {{convert|30|x|45|cm|in|abbr=on}}in length, and about {{convert|8|cm|in|abbr=on}} in height, and is in a crescent shape. During the winter months, the gopher creates special mounds, which contain feeding galleries, a nesting chamber, a "bathroom", and food storage chambers.
Baird's pocket gopher lives a solitary life underground with the ability to create [[burrow]]s, which are its common form of living quarters. The only time a gopher may retreat from its burrow is during [[Wet season|wet months]], to avoid being flooded out. On average each burrow is {{convert|6|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter and is found at depths of {{convert|10|-|68|cm|in|abbr=on}} underground, making it possible for only one adult gopher to occupy a single burrow system. [[Burrow|Burrow systems]] are very complex and range from {{convert|55|-|180|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length. The tunnels meander aimlessly through various feeding areas, which indicates that burrowing is primarily done in the search for food. An average mound created by ''G. breviceps'' is about {{convert|30|x|45|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, and about {{convert|8|cm|in|abbr=on}} in height, and is crescent-shaped. During the winter months, the gopher creates special mounds that contain feeding galleries, a nesting chamber, a "bathroom", and food storage chambers.

== Physical description ==

⚫
The pocket gophers are considered to be medium to small in size in the Rodentia Order. Baird's Pocket Gopher has a cylinder shaped body with most of its weight carried near their head. The [[zygomatic arch]] is shorter than width of the mouth meaning the dorsal of the animal exceeds the [[jugal]] bone. The neck is a little thinner but the heaviest part of the body is carried on the back of the head. The eyes are very small and beadlike and the ears are found only by a meager flap of skin that follows the top of the temple. There are external pouches on the cheeks; these pouches are fur-lined and used for transporting food. The body gradually tapers from the head to the tail, widening a little at the thighs.

⚫
Short hair covers the body with range of colors from pale brown to black and usually more pale when you travel towards the belly area. The tail is short, thick, and bare with very little hair found at the base averaging {{convert|65|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The front feet are used for digging; the feet appear as long curved claws, the rear feet are smaller with an average length of {{convert|31|mm|in|abbr=on}}. They look identical to the ''G. attwateri'' and the ''G. bursarius'' and the only they difference is by scientific testing. The males have an average weight of {{convert|180|–|200|g|oz|abbr=on}} with a cranium length of {{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}, while the average weight for females is {{convert|120|–|160|g|oz|abbr=on}} with a cranium length of {{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}.


== Diet ==
== Diet ==
⚫
Baird's pocket gopher eats [[grass]], [[tuber]]s, certain [[root]]s, and many other types of plant life.<ref name=smith/> It burrows underground and while making its nests obtains food from the roots of different plants in its tunnels. The gophers store the food they gather in small pockets that look like black slits called "cheek pouches" on the side of their head, which is where the name "pocket gopher" was thought to arise [Tumlison: 1]. If there is no food where they burrow, they at least tend to try to find food close to where they are nesting; it is rarely seen above ground.<ref name=smith/> Like other rodents, Baird's Pocket Gopher has gnawing front teeth called [[incisor]]s, which makes it easier for the animal to dig through dirt and still gather food [Tumlison: 1].


⚫
To facilitate the digestion of grasses and other plants, Baird's pocket gophers utilize [[bacteria]] in their digestive system, which contains [[cellulase]].<ref name=smith/> Like other mammals or rodents, Baird's pocket gophers [[Coprophagy|re-ingest fecal pellets]], which benefits them during the winter and the rainier seasons of the year. The re-ingestion of fecal pellets increases the efficiency of food utilization, which is useful when plants are scarce in these seasons.<ref name=davis/>
⚫
Baird's Pocket Gopher eats [[grass]], [[tuber]]s, certain roots, and all kinds of other types of plant life.<ref name=smith/> It burrows underground and while they are making their nests they even obtain food from the roots of different plants in their tunnels. They store the food they gather in small pockets called “cheek pouches” on the side of their head that look like black slits; this is where the name “pocket gopher” was thought up from [Tumlison: 1]. If there is no food where they burrow, they at least tend to try to find food that is closer to where they are nesting; it is rarely seen above ground.<ref name=smith/> Like other rodents, Baird's Pocket Gopher has gnawing front teeth called [[incisor]]s, which makes it easier for the animal to dig through dirt and still gather food [Tumlison: 1].

⚫
To make it a simpler process on the Baird’s Pocket Gopher to digest the grasses and plants they eat, their body creates a kind of bacteria called cellulose in their digestive system, helping the body process and digest the grasses and plants better.<ref name=smith/> Like other mammals, or rodents, Baird's Pocket Gopher [[Coprophagy|re-ingests fecal pellets]] which benefit them during the winter and for the more rainy seasons throughout the year. The re-ingestion of fecal pellets increases the efficiency of food utilization which is useful when the plants are scarce in these seasons.<ref name=davis/>


== References==
== References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Further reading==
== Further reading==
*Wilson, Don E. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammal. UBC Press, 1999 [http://books.google.com/books?id=qNFgzIPGuSUC]
*Wilson, Don E. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammal. UBC Press, 1999 [https://books.google.com/books?id=qNFgzIPGuSUC]
*Sulentich, James M. and Williams, Lawrence R. "Geomys breviceps." Mammalian Species." 1991. 10 May 2009 [http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-383-01-0001.pdf]
*Sulentich, James M. and Williams, Lawrence R. "Geomys breviceps." Mammalian Species." 1991. 10 May 2009 [https://web.archive.org/web/20100620152452/http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-383-01-0001.pdf]


{{Geomyidae nav}}
{{Geomyidae nav}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q1770201}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gopher, Baird's Pocket}}

[[Category:Geomys|Baird's Pocket Gopher]]
[[Category:Geomys|Baird's Pocket Gopher]]
[[Category:Mammals of the United States]]
[[Category:Endemic rodents of the United States]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1855]]

[[Category:Taxa named by Spencer Fullerton Baird]]
[[eu:Geomys breviceps]]
[[fr:Geomys breviceps]]

Latest revision as of 20:50, 19 July 2024

Baird's pocket gopher
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Geomyidae
Genus: Geomys
Species:
G. breviceps
Binomial name
Geomys breviceps
Baird, 1855

Baird's pocket gopher or the Louisiana pocket gopher (Geomys breviceps)[2] is a species of pocket gopher that is native to the southern United States. In total, there are three almost identical species of eastern pocket gopher; Geomys attwateri, G. bursarius, and G. breviceps. G. breviceps is larger in size, G. attwateri is medium-sized and G. bursarius is a bit smaller.[3] Other than by size variation they are not identifiable by external features. Baird's pocket gophers are small rodents with most of their weight on the top half of their bodies.

Baird's pocket gopher is native to eastern Texas, western Louisiana, eastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas.[2] It is a burrowing creature, meaning it digs tunnels and generally lives underground, except during the rainy seasons. It has sharp, long, curved front claws designed specifically for digging. Generally, it is safe from predators since it lives underground, though other burrowing rodents such as badgers and long-tailed weasels may pose a threat. Baird's pocket gopher has bacteria in its digestive system, allowing it to digest various grasses and it is able to re-ingest fecal pellets.[2] It is polygamous and has a high reproductive rate, which is one of the main reasons for its survival. On average, Baird's pocket gopher has two to three babies per litter.[3] It lives about 1 to 2 years in the wild.[3]

Description

[edit]

The pocket gophers are considered to be medium to small in size in the order Rodentia. Baird's pocket gopher has a cylinder shaped body with most of its weight carried near its head. The zygomatic arch is shorter than the width of the mouth, meaning the dorsal of the animal exceeds the jugal bone. The neck is a little thinner but the heaviest part of the body is carried on the back of the head. The eyes are very small and beadlike and the ears are identified only by a meager flap of skin that follows the top of the temple. The cheek pouches are fur-lined and used for transporting food. The body gradually tapers from the head to the tail, widening a little at the thighs.

Short hair covers the body and ranges in color from pale brown to black and is usually paler towards the belly area. The tail is short, thick, and bare with very little hair found at the base and averaging 65 mm (2.6 in) in length. The front feet are used for digging and the feet appear as long curved claws; the rear feet are smaller with an average length of 31 mm (1.2 in). The animals look identical to G. attwateri and G. bursarius. Only genetic testing and range location can distinguish them.[4] The males have an average weight of 180–200 g (6.3–7.1 oz) and a cranium length of 19 mm (0.75 in), while the average weight for females is 120–160 g (4.2–5.6 oz) with a cranium length of 19 mm (0.75 in).

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Baird's pocket gopher is commonly located on the Gulf Coastal Plains of eastern Texas in three different soil types. It is found in fine sandy Lufkin as well as in Ochlocknee soil types where the topsoil has a depth of less than 10 centimetres (3.9 in). The third soil type, Wilson sandy loam, becomes hard and compact when it dries, therefore G. breviceps is not inclined to habituate itself in any soil made of dense clay. The species is less likely to be in soil that has a high moisture content.

Baird's pocket gopher lives a solitary life underground with the ability to create burrows, which are its common form of living quarters. The only time a gopher may retreat from its burrow is during wet months, to avoid being flooded out. On average each burrow is 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter and is found at depths of 10–68 cm (3.9–26.8 in) underground, making it possible for only one adult gopher to occupy a single burrow system. Burrow systems are very complex and range from 55–180 cm (22–71 in) in length. The tunnels meander aimlessly through various feeding areas, which indicates that burrowing is primarily done in the search for food. An average mound created by G. breviceps is about 30 cm × 45 cm (12 in × 18 in) in length, and about 8 cm (3.1 in) in height, and is crescent-shaped. During the winter months, the gopher creates special mounds that contain feeding galleries, a nesting chamber, a "bathroom", and food storage chambers.

Diet

[edit]

Baird's pocket gopher eats grass, tubers, certain roots, and many other types of plant life.[2] It burrows underground and while making its nests obtains food from the roots of different plants in its tunnels. The gophers store the food they gather in small pockets that look like black slits called "cheek pouches" on the side of their head, which is where the name "pocket gopher" was thought to arise [Tumlison: 1]. If there is no food where they burrow, they at least tend to try to find food close to where they are nesting; it is rarely seen above ground.[2] Like other rodents, Baird's Pocket Gopher has gnawing front teeth called incisors, which makes it easier for the animal to dig through dirt and still gather food [Tumlison: 1].

To facilitate the digestion of grasses and other plants, Baird's pocket gophers utilize bacteria in their digestive system, which contains cellulase.[2] Like other mammals or rodents, Baird's pocket gophers re-ingest fecal pellets, which benefits them during the winter and the rainier seasons of the year. The re-ingestion of fecal pellets increases the efficiency of food utilization, which is useful when plants are scarce in these seasons.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cassola, F. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Geomys breviceps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T136840A115212715. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T136840A22217664.en. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. "Geomys breviceps." North American Mammals. 2009. 7 May 2009. [1]
  3. ^ a b c d Davis, W. B. & Schmidly, D. J. (1997). "Baird's Pocket Gopher". The Mammals of Texas-Online Edition. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  4. ^ Sudman, Philip (24 August 2006). "Molecular Systematics of Pocket Gophers of the Genus Geomys". Journal of Mammalogy. 87 (4): 668–676. doi:10.1644/05-MAMM-A-349R2.1.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Wilson, Don E. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammal. UBC Press, 1999 [2]
  • Sulentich, James M. and Williams, Lawrence R. "Geomys breviceps." Mammalian Species." 1991. 10 May 2009 [3]
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