Pocket gophers are thriving and can become more abundant as Alberta’s soils dry out. Drought and dry conditions favor pocket gophers for several reasons:
- Population booms in dry years: Observations from southeast Alberta indicate that pocket gopher populations tend to thrive during drought and dry spells, with local experts noting, “When we have no rain and the ground is dry, the gopher population density remained consistent, although they do thrive with the drought and dry conditions”[1].
- Soil preferences: Pocket gophers show a preference for drier soils. Laboratory studies demonstrate that northern pocket gophers avoid extremely wet soils and spend more time in dry soil environments, suggesting that dry conditions are more suitable for their burrowing and living habits[2].
- Grazing and soil changes: Increased grazing intensity, which often accompanies drought as vegetation is stressed, can also lead to higher pocket gopher numbers. Changes in soil characteristics due to overgrazing may create favorable conditions for gophers that persist for years[3].
- Climate and weather effects: Experts note that climate and weather are major factors influencing gopher populations on the Prairies, with slow crop establishment and dry conditions contributing to population increases[4].
In summary, as Alberta’s soils dry out due to ongoing drought, pocket gophers are likely to become more abundant, exacerbating their impact on pastures, haylands, and crops[3][4][1].
⁂
- https://bowislandcommentator.com/cypress-courier/2022/07/06/not-enough-rain-and-too-many-gophers-in-southeast-alberta/
- https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1817&context=icwdm_usdanwrc
- https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/file/684-1.pdf?OpenElement
- https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/livestock/how-farmers-and-ranchers-can-manage-a-gopher-boom/
No comments:
Post a Comment