Characteristics of Pocket Gophers Along an Altitudinal Transect

Abstract

Pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) were examined in relation to the vegetation along an altitudinal transect in the Beartooth Mountains, Wyo¬ming. Stations were established in the Alpine, Canadian, and Transition life zones. Proximate analysis of the vegetation for protein, lipid, crude fiber, and carbohydrate showed protein to be highest at the Alpine station, carbohydrate at the Canadian station, and crude fiber at the Transition station. Stomach content materials showed a similar relationship to altitude but were much higher in protein and lipid than the vegetation at each of the collecting sites. Body size was significantly larger at the Alpine station but population numbers and adrenal size were larger at the Canadian station. Skeletal measurements were similar at all stations when the effects of total size were removed, indicating a similar genotype. Population num¬bers fluctuated in synchrony at the three stations over a 6-year period