Pocket Gopher Damage on Ponderosa Pine Plantations in Southwestern Oregon
Hooven EF. 1971. Pocket Gopher Damage on Ponderosa Pine Plantations in Southwestern Oregon. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 35(2):346-353
Pocket gophers (Thomomys monticola) often make regeneration of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) difficult in Oregon, because, after logging, the gophers increase in substantial numbers. Efforts to reforest with ponderosa pine can be nullified if many pocket gophers are present, and in such localities control efforts must be constant. This study showed seedling survival of 87 percent in areas free of pocket gophers in contrast to 12 percent in areas occupied by pocket gophers. The conditions that create a suitable pocket gopher habitat are unknown, but they are apparently influenced by the species of trees present before logging, various vegetative responses after logging, elevation, and soil characteristics.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hooven, Edward
- Units
- SODN
- Keywords
- Logging, Oregon, Pinus ponderosa, Pocket gophers, Ponderosa Pine, Thomomys monticloa