GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Mazama Pocket Gopher (Thomomys mazama)

Species Code: THMA

Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat Breeding Range Map The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Click to enlarge distribution map Map with historical museum records Other maps & Information: NatureMapping observations throughout the year

This species is primarily found in western Oregon and northern California in open prairies and sub-alpine meadows. In western Washington, it occurs as a variety of subspecies around the south end of Puget Sound, in prairies and open forests in low dry areas. It also appears as the subspecies T.m. melanops in the sub-alpine meadows of the northern Olympic Mountains.

For the low elevation subspecies, Puget Sound Douglas-fir, Woodland/Prairies Mosaic, and Cowlitz River zones were core areas. In these zones, apparently undisturbed non-forested cover except shrubland was good. In the Olympics, the Alpine/Parkland, Mountain Hemlock, and Sub-alpine Fir zones were core.

Pocket Gophers require open, undisturbed tracts of prairie or meadows free of conifer encroachment, with a substantial growth of herbs and relatively dry soil loose enough for burrowing.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Mammal Volume by Dave Lester
Webpage designed by Dave Lester