| Heterogeomys | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Geomyidae |
| Genus: | Heterogeomys Merriam, 1895 |
| Type species | |
| Geomys hispidus | |
| Species | |
|
7 recognized species, see article. | |
Heterogeomys is a genus of rodent in the family Geomyidae, found in Mexico, Central America and Colombia. Heterogeomys are a small genus of rodents commonly known as pocket gophers, though the term applies to all genera within the family Geomyidae.[1] The name pocket gopher was earned for this family because of their fur lined cheek pouches that can be used for carrying food. These pouches can also be turned inside out. Species of Heterogeomys are regarded as pests, one of less than 5% of rodent species classified as pests, and the history of man's attempts to control their populations reaches back into Mayan times.[2][3] Despite some efforts to the contrary, populations of Heterogeomys seem to be on a general upwards trend. Furthermore, all of the species of Heterogeomys are considered to be of Least Concern in the World Status Key.[4]
- ^ Encyclopædia Britannica. "Pocket Gopher". Retrieved 14 December 2012.
- ^ Witmer, Gary; Richard M. Engeman (15 May 2007). "Subterranean Rodents as Pests: The Case of the Pocket Gopher". USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications: 287–299. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
- ^ Hovey, Kevin; Dominique Rissolo (1999). "The Process and Sociocultural Significance of Gopher Trapping in a modern Yucatec Maya Community". Journal of Ethnobiology. 19 (2): 261–276.
- ^ Samudio, R. (2016). "Orthogeomys cavator". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T15544A22214782. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T15544A22214782.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.