Southeastern Pocket Gopher (Geomys pinetis)
The southeastern pocket gopher is restricted to the coastal plains of GA, AL and FL (below) and appears to be declining across its range. It has been listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in all three states and is threatened in GA.
Map from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)) |
Our Research
A species that is vital to the proper functioning of Natural Pinelands (pictured above) in the southeastern U.S. is the southeastern pocket gopher. Pocket gophers are known ecosystem engineers that promote diversity in the ecosystem by aerating and recycling nutrients in the soil through their burrowing activity, increasing plant diversity through burrowing and foraging, and providing shelter for other species that live in their extensive tunnel systems.
We know little about the ecology, natural history, distribution, and population dynamics of SEPGs. Therefore, this research aims to address gaps in the knowledge of southeastern pocket gopher with the ultimate goal of providing specific management recommendations for restoring and maintaining highly functional habitat conditions, maintaining connectivity among populations, and reintroducing southeastern pocket gopher into appropriate habitat. Given the important ecological roles of southeastern pocket gopher in these systems, this goal fits within the context of a holistic approach to conserving and restoring southeastern Natural Pinelands |
To identify pocket gopher presence to understand habitat variables that influence the SE pocket gopher's distribution we are gathering pocket gopher locality data and you can help! If you identify places with pocket gophers mounds you can submit the localities via iNaturalist or through our website and your data will be used in our research!
|
Ways to Report
OR USE THE BELOW CONTACT FORM
|
|
|
Questions or comments? Contact Sarah Duncan [email protected], JT Pynne [email protected], or Elizabeth Parsons [email protected].