Mound Building by Pocket Gophers (Geomyidae): Their Impact on Soils and Vegetation in North America

Abstract

SUMMARY. This study assesses the role of fossorial rodents, as exemplified by Geomyidae, in the formation of the North American patterned ground feature, the mima mound. Both the literature and original research presented in the paper demonstrate that Geomyidae can significantly alter texture, percentage of organic matter, mineral availability, and the soil moisture content of mima mound soils. As a result, plant growth in a semi-arid environment is enhanced, and is accompanied by related changes in the quality and quantity of vegetation in areas of Geomyidae activity. Through initiation and sustained development of soils and vegetation, Geomyidae provide a dynamic force to direct the biogeochemical attributes of the North American Prairie lands. Evidence that Geomyidae can create an open prairie ecosystem in disturbed or badly eroded areas suggests that the activities of fossorial rodents may provide an explanation for the genesis of North American Prairie soils.