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 heterodus
Variable Pocket Gopher
Peters, 1865
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, subterranean rodent with a powerful, cylindrical body, short limbs, and specialized teeth for excavating tunnels. Its coat color varies significantly across its range, hence the name.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Taltusa variableVariable pocket gopher
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.Peters, 1865
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
Found primarily in the highlands of Costa Rica, occupying mountain forests, meadows, and cleared agricultural lands.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary, sedentary, and strictly territorial. Individuals spend almost their entire lives beneath the soil surface.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly solitary; contact between adults usually leads to aggressive territorial disputes.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
Consumes underground parts of plants including roots and tubers. Important food source for subterranean predators and raptors.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polygynous mating system; females raise offspring independently in specialized nesting chambers.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
22.0 - 30.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
350 g - 700 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 4
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 - 10 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
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 significantly larger and heavier than females, with more pronounced skull development.
Females Multi-lang
Females are smaller and lack the extreme cranial ridge development seen in dominant males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Equipped with large, outward-facing claws on its front feet specifically evolved for soil displacement during tunneling.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Main threats involve habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and direct control measures by farmers protecting crops.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They create complex tunnel networks that improve soil aeration and nutrient cycling, playing a vital role in their mountain ecosystem.