ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF THE POCKET GOPHER PAPPOGEOMYS MERRIAMI MERRIAMI IN A MEXICAN RANGELAND

Authors

Desley Whisson, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado Postal 70-153, Coyoacan, 04510 Mexico, D.F.
Beatriz Villa-C., Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado Postal 70-153, Coyoacan, 04510 Mexico, D.F.

Date of this Version

February 1994

Abstract

Pocket gophers (Pappogeomys meiriami merriami) are a problem in both crops and rangelands of Mexico. In rangelands, damage results from the animals burrowing habits which cause much soil disturbance, and their feeding on rangeland vegetation. Although considered a pest, to date there have been no quantitative studies of the activity and damage caused this species. This study was initiated to document fluctuations in activity of P. m. merriami throughout the year in a Mexican rangeland.