study
American gophers run root farms
“Purchassies are really important ecosystem engineers.” Photo: Veronica Selden/Jack Putz/University of Florida/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Curious facts from the world of gophers: the animals harvest and fertilize part of their food themselves.
Certain gophers in the US operate underground root farms, according to a new study. Scientists from the University of Florida reported in the journal “Current Biology” that the studied southeastern gopher (Geomys pinetis) harvests and fertilizes parts of its food itself.
The American rat species lives in extensive underground systems, feeding primarily on roots growing into their tunnels. According to the researchers, the animals not only harvest them, but also cultivate underground root fields with their droppings as fertilizer. In this way, the gopher can continue to provide itself with food while the tunnel is being built, covering between 20 and 60 percent of its daily energy needs.
Researcher Veronica Selden said she hopes her study will create a larger platform for the understudied animals. “Purse rats are much more interesting than you give them credit for,” said the zoologist. “They are really important ecosystem engineers.”