Will Elder, NPS Natural History: This species is also know as Botta's Pocket Gopher. It is a solitary animal that inhabits subterranean tunnels in moist soil. It is active throughout the year, both during the day and night. This species subsists on roots, tubers, and certain aboveground plants. It breeds from November to April. General Distribution: In the Presidio, the Pocket Gopher is found in areas of of annual and serpentine grassland, coastal and dune scrub, forests, and in lawns. Frequency: This species is abundant in the Presidio and provides an important food resource for birds of prey, and carnivorous mammals. Identifying Characteristics: The pocket gopher is typically between 120 to 180 mm in length. It has large, exposed, yellow, incisor teeth. It is very variable in size and color but generally takes on a brown to black coloration. Another identifying characteristic is a single indistinct groove near the inner border of each incisor. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015