How to translate text using browser tools
1 March 2007 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BURROW SYSTEMS OF SEVEN SPECIES OF POCKET GOPHERS (RODENTIA: GEOMYIDAE)
Kenneth T. Wilkins, Heather R. Roberts
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Burrow systems of 43 individuals representing 7 species of pocket gophers (Geomyidae) in Texas (Geomys breviceps, G. bursarius, G. personatus, G. texensis, Thomomys bottae) and Jalisco, Mexico (Cratogeomys fumosus, Pappogeomys bulleri) were excavated, measured, described, and compared. All burrow systems consisted of a main tunnel with several to many side branches. Burrow systems of most species included chambers serving as nest sites, food caches, and latrines. Vertically oriented spiral tunnels are reported for the first time for G. breviceps, G. texensis, and C. fumosus. Regression analyses revealed that mean tunnel depths and diameters varied significantly by species in direct relation to body size. Mean length of tunnel systems varied significantly by species (longest in G. breviceps and shortest in T. bottae), but variation was not correlated with body size.

Kenneth T. Wilkins and Heather R. Roberts "COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BURROW SYSTEMS OF SEVEN SPECIES OF POCKET GOPHERS (RODENTIA: GEOMYIDAE)," The Southwestern Naturalist 52(1), 83-88, (1 March 2007). https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909(2007)52[83:CAOBSO]2.0.CO;2
Received: 27 August 2005; Accepted: 1 May 2006; Published: 1 March 2007
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top