Book Description

Stomach analysis of pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) indicated that on one area succulent grasses were the main food item, supplying between 84% and 44 % of the average composite diet. Bromegrasses (Bromus spp.) were highly preferred. Thistle (Cirsium spp.) was the main forb eaten. The second area supported a forb-grass-brush cover after the forest had been removed. Forbs comprised about 70% of the herbaceous cover, and supplied 51% of the diet; grasses and sedges (Carex spp.) averaged 25% of the diet. Fleabane (Erigeron spp. and common sunflower (Helianthus annus) were the main forbs in the diet. Wood material, including ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) was not used heavily throughout the period, although use did increase slightly during the winter. Insects were between 8% and 19% of the average diet.