Species MammalsBig Pocket Gopher

Big Pocket Gopher

Orthogeomys lanius

RareMammal
Illustration of Big Pocket Gopher (Orthogeomys lanius)

The Big Pocket Gopher is a large tropical gopher known from a small area of Veracruz state in Mexico. Its large body size reflects adaptation to the nutrient-rich underground root environment of tropical lowland forests. Like all pocket gophers, it is strictly subterranean and solitary.

Habitat
Lowland tropical forests and farmland of Veracruz, Mexico
Diet
Roots, tubers, and underground plant material
How common
Rare

Not certain it is a Big Pocket Gopher? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Big Pocket Gopher sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Big Pocket Gopher? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Big Pocket Gopher is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love mammals? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More mammals

Big-eared Climbing Rat
Big-eared Climbing Rat
Ototylomys phyllotis
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis
Black Jackrabbit
Black Jackrabbit
Lepus insularis
Black Myotis
Black Myotis
Myotis nigricans
Black Rat
Black Rat
Rattus rattus
Black Squirrel
Black Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Black-bellied Cotton Rat
Black-bellied Cotton Rat
Sigmodon planifrons
Black-eared Mouse
Black-eared Mouse
Peromyscus melanotis