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Idaho Pocket Gopher - Thomomys idahoensis
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State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Species has been infrequently observed across southwestern Montana with just 4 observations since 1970. Significant portions of potentially suitable habitat lack observations. Threats and trends are unknown.
General Description
The Idaho pocket gopher is a small rodent measuring approximately 19 cm from tip of nose to end of tail, and weighing close to 95 g. Slightly smaller in dimensions and lighter in color than the northern pocket gopher, it shares most of the same characteristics: small ears and small black eyes, short fur, a short, nearly hairless tail (just under 4.4 cm in length for the Idaho pocket gopher), well-developed jaw, neck, forearm, and shoulder muscles, long curved claws on its forepaws, exposed yellowish incisors, and the external, furlined cheek pouches, with openings on each side of the mouth. Its fur is yellowish brown on top, sprinkled with dark brown- and grayish brown-tipped hairs; underneath, it will be yellowish or yellowish brown, with whitish feet. (Foresman 2012)
Diagnostic Characteristics
Difficult to distinguish from Montana's other pocket gopher, the northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides ), which tends to have a darker reddish brown color, black patches around the ears, and a longer tail, and is much more widely distributed in Montana. Detailed analysis of skull characteristics and chromosome number may be necessary for positive identification. (Foresman 2012)
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Western Hemisphere Range
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 15
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Migration
Non-migratory.
Habitat
Assumed to occupy a variety of habitats, and to prefer deep, loose soil, as does T. talpoides (Foresman 2012). Some references (see for example Beauvais and Dark-Smiley 2005) suggest they may differ from T. talpoides in a preference for shallower, stonier soils at relatively higher elevations.
National Vegetation Classification System Groups Associated with this Species
Forest and Woodland
Low Elevation - Xeric Forest and Woodland
Shrubland
Foothills - Montane Shrubland
Sagebrush Shrubland
Grassland
Lowland - Prairie Grassland
Montane - Subalpine Grassland
Wetland and Riparian
Alpine Riparian and Wetland
Riparian and Wetland Forest
Riparian Shrubland
Wet Meadow and Marsh
Human Land Use
Agriculture
Developed
Food Habits
Assumed to forage on the roots, bulbs, tubers, and stems of a wide variety of plants, as does T. talpoides . Food is carried in cheek pouches to underground storage chambers.
Ecology
T. idahoensis has only been recognized as a species since 1972, and little specific ecological information is available. Probably similar to T. talpoides in many aspects.
Reproductive Characteristics
For T. talpoides , breeding begins in mid to late April, peaking in May; the gestation period is 18-20 days, and one litter averaging 4-5 young is produced per year. T. idahoensis is assumed to be similar. (Foresman 2012)
Management
Basic natural history information is lacking for the Idaho pocket gopher, and field surveys are merited.
Stewardship Responsibility
References
Literature Cited AboveLegend:
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