Variable Pocket Gopher
Orthogeomys heterodus
Silhouette: Xavier A. Jenkins · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilyGeomyidae (Pocket Gophers)
- GenusOrthogeomys
- SpeciesOrthogeomys heterodus (Variable Pocket Gopher)
About the Variable Pocket Gopher
The variable pocket gopher (Heterogeomys heterodus) is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to Costa Rica, usually being found in grasslands and tropical forests at higher altitudes, up to 8,000 feet. It is threatened by habitat loss, but are sometimes kept as pets in the United States and elsewhere.
The gopher typically has soft and dense fur colored blackish on the posterior and pale on the anterior. Its dentition features a longitudinal groove on outer face of each upper incisor. Large specimens range in length from 12 to 19 inches in length and weigh 16 to 35 ounces.
Some authors classify it in the genus Orthogeomys, but recent research has allowed this and its related species to be classified in the genus Heterogeomys. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Variable Pocket Gopher in Irazú Volcano National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Irazú Volcano National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irazú Volcano National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
More parks will be added in future updates.