Desert Pocket Gopher

Geomys arenarius

Geomys tends to be a very solitary animal, with each animal living in its own burrow system. However, during the reproductive season males will extend their burrows to those of the females or they will go above ground in search of an entrance to the female's burrow (Walker, 1983). There may be more than one litter produced by the female per year. Generally, there are two reproductive cycles throughout the year, one in the spring and one in the summer. The Desert Pocket Gopher has been known to cause damage to crops, and erosion can occur because of their mounds and tunnels. They are, however, useful in aerating soil and blending organic matter into it (Walker, 1983).

Literature Cited

Walker, E.P. 1983. Mammals of the World (4th edition). The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 552 pp.

Heather Jasso, March 2000.

Last Update: 9 July 2000.