Orthogeomys

Giant pocket gophers or Taltuzas ( Orthogeomys ) are a genus of pocket gophers ( Geomyidae ) with eleven species which occur mainly in Central America.

Features

These rodents are similar to other pocket gophers in physique, but they are much larger. The head -body length is between 10 and 35 cm and the weight varies 150-900 g The tail length is 5 to 14 cm. The fur of the giant pocket gophers is on the top black brown and lighter at the bottom. In various types of white bands or spots occur on the back or on the face. Types colder regions have a softer and denser fur generally. The upper incisors have in the middle of a flashy joint.

Types and distribution

According to Wilson & Reeder (2005) distinguish eleven species.

  • Orthogeomys cavator Bangs, 1902 - Southern Costa Rica and western Panama
  • Orthogeomys cherriei JA Allen, 1893 - Northern Costa Rica
  • Orthogeomys cuniculus Elliot, 1905 - in the southwest of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico
  • Orthogeomys dariensis Goldman, 1912 - Eastern Panama
  • Giant gopher or pouched rats ( Orthogeomys grandis Thomas, 1893) - southwestern Mexico to Honduras
  • Orthogeomys heterodus Peters, 1865 - Central Costa Rica
  • Orthogeomys hispidus LeConte, 1852 - Southeastern Mexico to northwestern Honduras
  • Orthogeomys lanius Elliot, 1905 - on the southeast slope of Mount Orizaba, western Mexico
  • Orthogeomys matagalpae JA Allen, 1910 - Central Nicaragua
  • Orthogeomys thaeleri Alberico, 1990 - Northwestern Colombia
  • Orthogeomys underwoodi Osgood, 1931 - West Coast of Costa Rica and western Panama north

Way of life

As Habitat serve tropical rain forests and other forests. In mountain giant pocket gophers reach 3000 m above sea level.

The different copies dig tunnel systems that lie close to the surface. The building has several compartments that are padded with plant parts or serve as a warehouse. Giant pocket gophers hold mainly in those relying on only at night they come out occasionally. They eat roots, tubers and various green plant parts that can be accessed from the tunnel.

Females usually have two litters per year with one to four pups. Sexual maturity is reached very quickly, females can raise their own offspring after three months.

Giant bag rats and humans

Giant pocket gophers are considered by the Central American farmers as a pest animals. The capture of specimens in Mexico is a recognized profession, Tucero which is usually inherited within a family. Species with a small distribution area are threatened by hunting extinction. Most giant pocket gophers other hand, are listed by the IUCN as not at risk ( least concern ).

Reference literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 vols. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD, inter alia, 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9.
Euarchontoglires Castorimorpha Clinton Hart Merriam Rainforest Don E. Wilson Mammal Species of the World
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