Perote pocket gopher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cofre de Perote pocket gopher |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cratogeomys
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| Species: |
perotensis
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The Perote pocket gopher (Cratogeomys perotensis), also known as the Cofre de Perote pocket gopher, is a small mammal. It belongs to a group of rodents called pocket gophers. These animals are known for their special cheek pouches, which they use to carry food.
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Where Does This Gopher Live?
This gopher is found only in Mexico. It lives in the mountains of southern Hidalgo. You can also find it in Puebla and Veracruz. It especially likes the areas around the volcanoes Cofre de Perote and Pico de Orizaba. The Cofre de Perote volcano is where this gopher was first discovered.
What Does the Perote Pocket Gopher Look Like?
This rodent has fur that can be light or dark brown. It is a medium-sized gopher, weighing about 400 to 650 grams. That's about as much as a small bag of sugar! Male gophers are usually a bit bigger than females. Sometimes, they have small white spots near the base of their tail.
What Kind of Home Does It Like?
The Perote pocket gopher lives in grassy areas called Zacatonal grasslands. It also lives in cool forests with pine and oak trees. These areas are found high up in the mountains. You can find these gophers living at elevations from 2,400 to 4,000 meters. That's higher than many tall buildings!
How Was This Gopher Discovered?
The Perote pocket gopher was first described as its own species in 1895. Later, in 1968, some scientists thought it was just a type of another gopher. But in 2005, new studies showed it was unique. Scientists looked at its genes, chromosomes, and body features. They found it was different enough to be its own species again.
Is the Perote Pocket Gopher in Danger?
Even though this gopher lives in a specific area, it is quite common. Its home range is less than 20,000 square kilometers. But scientists do not think it is in danger of disappearing. It is considered a species of "Least Concern" by conservation groups. This means its population is stable for now.
