AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Orthogeomys cavator
Chiriqui Pocket Gopher
Bangs, 1902
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, fossorial rodent with strong forelimbs for digging, large cheek pouches for transporting food, and small eyes and ears adapted for underground life.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rodentia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Geomyidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Orthogeomys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Bangs, 1902
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits montane regions, pastures, and agricultural areas in Chiriquí, Panama. Prefers deep, loose soils suitable for extensive burrowing.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly fossorial. Highly territorial and aggressive toward intruders of the same species.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during mating. Each individual maintains its own independent tunnel territory.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Fossorial herbivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Herbivorous diet including roots, tubers, and rhizomes. Preyed upon by snakes, owls, and small carnivores.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polygynous; males may visit the tunnels of multiple females to mate.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
25.0 - 35.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400 g - 800 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 9 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 40
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically larger and more robust than females, with more pronounced cranial ridges.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly smaller and show less prominent cranial development compared to males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
External, fur-lined cheek pouches that can be turned inside out for cleaning, allowing them to carry food without ingesting dirt.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Often considered an agricultural pest due to damage to roots and crops, leading to trapping and poisoning by farmers.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are highly solitary animals, spending nearly their entire lives underground within their private tunnel systems.