Big Pocket Gopher
Heterogeomys lanius
Overview
The big pocket gopher is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to Veracruz state in eastern Mexico. It has only been found on the southeastern slopes of Pico de Orizaba, at elevations of 1,300 metres (4,300 ft).
Heterogeomys lanius faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat conversion for agriculture and urban development across its extremely limited range in Oaxaca, Mexico. The species' specialized subterranean lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance and fragmentation of its montane forest habitat. Mining activities and road construction further fragment the remaining suitable habitat, while the species' slow reproductive rate limits its ability to recover from population losses.
Habitat
This fossorial pocket gopher inhabits montane pine-oak forests and cloud forests at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. The species requires well-drained soils with sufficient organic matter to support its extensive underground burrow systems and specialized diet of roots and tubers.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in GEOMYIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is Big Pocket Gopher classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Big Pocket Gopher live?
What are the main threats to Big Pocket Gopher?
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