The southeastern pocket gopher appears to have disappeared from much of its former range in Georgia, prompting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) to launch a two-year survey and population assessment for the species. Although they are a secretive and little-known species, these burrowing rodents play a dynamic role in Georgia’s natural history.

The study began in July and will detail the former territory and current range of the gophers, as well as identify potential threats and plan for their conservation. Like gopher tortoises, pocket gophers are considered a keystone species because their underground homes benefit other plants and animals.

“Pocket gophers are particularly important in Georgia because a number of invertebrates depend on their burrows for survival,” said WRD Sr. Wildlife Biologist Jim Ozier. “The gophers also help to loosen soil and provide the conditions some plant species need for germination.”

Pocket gophers (Geomys pinetis) need loose, easily crumbled soil for burrowing. They also require areas with a groundcover of flowery or grassy vegetation because the browse the roots of these plants. The gophers were once more common across the coastal plain of southern Georgia, southern Alabama and most of Florida.

The species has been in decline due to the loss of much of its natural habitat – longleaf pine savannas and naturally vegetated rolling sand hills. Development and intensive agricultural and silvicultural practices have reduced the amount of suitable habitat for pocket gophers, leaving very few known remaining populations on small, isolated sites.

Pocket gophers are sometimes called “salamanders.” This nickname is probably derived from the term “sandy mounders,” as their burrows are marked by numerous small mounds of sandy soil. Though the mounds could be seen as a nuisance in certain settings, WRD encourages any landowner whose property contains burrows to welcome their presence.

The study will begin with compiling information on the gopher’s historical range, followed by mapping current sites and determining potential threats to the species. Finally, biologists will develop a plan to monitor and manage Georgia’s pocket gopher populations.

Though this nongame species is protected by state law, some lawn and garden stores sell poison intended to eradicate unwanted gophers. Part of the WRD study will examine habitat management and non-lethal options for removing any remaining gophers that appear to present a problem.

“Our research will document the decline of pocket gophers in Georgia, identify remaining habitat and discuss steps to ensure the long-term survival of this species,” Ozier said.

Pocket gophers have been identified as one of Georgia’s high priority mammals in the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, a state and federally funded plan that will guide future conservation efforts in the state. Much of the funding for the pocket gopher study and the development of the state’s wildlife conservation strategy comes from a federal grant program called State Wildlife Grants. A draft of the wildlife conservation strategy and information on State Wildlife Grants can be found at www.gadnr.org/cwcs.

Georgians can support the conservation of nongame wildlife by purchasing a bald eagle wildlife license plate for their vehicle or by donating to the “Give Wildlife a Chance” State Income Tax Checkoff. Sales of the bald eagle/American flag license plate are the primary source of funding for the WRD Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section.

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