Gopherus berlandieri in Southeastern Texas

Abstract

Gopherus berflandieri populations on isolated clay dunes near the mouth of the Rio Grande were studied interinittantly from 1961 to 1967. Reproduction, growth, habitat, movement, activity, shelter, food, and predation were investigated. The most important contribution of the study is the demonstrated interpopulational behavioral variability in shelter construction and use, activity range, and food preference. The geological and vegetational histories of the habitats of each population are correlated with the behavioral differences observed.