Tropical pocket gopher
The tropical pocket gopher (Geomys tropicalis) is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitat is hot deserts. It is threatened by habitat loss.
| Tropical pocket gopher | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Geomyidae |
| Genus: | Geomys |
| Species: | G. tropicalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Geomys tropicalis Goldman, 1915 | |
Description edit
The tropical pocket gopher is cinnamon to brown on its back and head. Its underparts have white fur, and its tail is mostly naked. They have large front feet, along with small eyes and a thick body.[2] Males are on average larger than females.[3]
Distribution and habitat edit
The distribution of the tropical pocket gopher is restricted to a small area of the Veracruz moist forests, near the southeastern corner of Tamaulipas, Mexico.[4]
Genetics edit
The tropical pocket gopher has a diploid number of 38. This is low compared to similar species. This could help them adapt to their restricted habitat. Since their numbers are low there is a high risk of them losing too much genetic variability to survive.[5]
References edit
- ^ Roach, N. (2018). "Geomys tropicalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T9056A22218038. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T9056A22218038.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ Goldman, E.A. 1915. Five new mammals from Mexico and Arizona. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 28:133-137.
- ^ Alvarez, T. 1963. The recent mammals of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. His. 14:363-473.
- ^ Field parties from Texas Tech. University
- ^ Davis et al. 1971. Chromosomal studies of Geomys. Jour. Mammal.52:617-620.