Burrowing habits of the plains pocket gopher in northcentral and northwestern Oklahoma during the fall and winter of 1969-70
Abstract
Scope of Study: The plains pocket gopher exerts a pronounced influence on the ecology of grassland ecosystems. The habits of the gopher are difficult to ascertain due to the fossorial mode of existence. This research was conducted to describe selected burrow systems of the gopher in two widely separated areas of Oklahoma. Tunnel dimensions and surface activity were recorded. In addition some assessment was made of the value of the mound-count census technique. Seven sites were studied; six of these were excavated. Findings and Conclusions: Burrow systems were similar in all areas studied. Excavation of burrow systems revealed that gophers typically work at depths of approximately one foot, although depth occasionally extends to two or three feet. Burrow systems occupied an average of one-tenth of an acre of ground surface. Food caches were found in most burrows, but nests were almost indistinguishable. Apparently pocket gophers in the areas of study use very little nest-lining material. Soil texture and vegetation were considered important determinants of gopher activity. Sand content of the soil in the northwestern area was greater than sand content of soil in the northcentral area. Apparently gophers are more abundant in the northwestern area due to sand soil and the abundance of desirable food plants. Land-use practices influenced gopher activity to a considerable extent. Gophers cannot be readily censused by mound-counts in areas where gopher activity is pronounced. It was estimated that there was an average of eight gophers per acre on the less-sandy soils of the northcentral area, and twelve gophers per acre on the sandy northwestern area.
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- OSU Dissertations [11222]