Wyoming pocket gopher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wyoming pocket gopher |
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|---|---|
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thomomys
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| Species: |
clusius
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| Synonyms | |
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Thomomys talpoides clusius |
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The Wyoming pocket gopher (Thomomys clusius) is a small animal that lives underground. It's a type of gopher. This gopher is special because it's found only in the United States. For many years, people thought it was just a type of northern pocket gopher. But now, scientists know it's its own unique species!
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About the Wyoming Pocket Gopher
The Wyoming pocket gopher is the smallest gopher in its group, called Thomomys. It measures about 17 centimeters (about 6.7 inches) from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its tail is about 6 centimeters (about 2.4 inches) long.
Size and Appearance
Adult Wyoming pocket gophers usually weigh between 44 and 72 grams. That's about the weight of a small apple! Their fur is a light yellowish-grey color on their back and head. Their belly, feet, and tail are white. They have a snout that is almost black.
You can tell this gopher apart from its close relative, the northern pocket gopher. The Wyoming pocket gopher does not have dark spots on its ears. It is also smaller in size.
Special Features
Like other gophers, this animal has strong front legs. These legs have special claws that help it dig tunnels. Its eyes and ears are quite small. It also has large cheek pouches lined with fur. These pouches can stretch about 44 millimeters (about 1.7 inches) back from its nose. Gophers use these pouches to carry food.
Where the Wyoming Pocket Gopher Lives
The Wyoming pocket gopher is found in a very specific part of the United States. It lives only in a small area of southern Wyoming. You can find it in eastern Sweetwater County and southwestern Carbon County.
Its Home and Habitat
This gopher likes to live in flat areas. These places usually have soil that drains water well. You might find them where plants like greasewood (Sarcobatus species) and Gardner's saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) grow. These plants are common in dry, open spaces.
Life and Habits of the Wyoming Pocket Gopher
Scientists believe the Wyoming pocket gopher lives a lot like the northern pocket gopher. This is because they were once thought to be the same animal.
Living Underground
Wyoming pocket gophers are thought to live alone. They dig burrows, which are tunnels underground. Their tunnels are narrower than those dug by the northern pocket gopher.
Why It's a Separate Species
The Wyoming pocket gopher was first identified as a different species because of its chromosomes. Chromosomes are tiny parts inside cells that carry genetic information. The Wyoming pocket gopher has 46 chromosomes. The northern pocket gopher has 48. This difference means they are not able to have babies together.
