Gophers are important parts of ecosystems, providing many benefits to the soil and other species.
Soil benefits
Water management
Gopher tunnels capture snowmelt and rainfall, which reduces surface water runoff and helps soil soak up water
Soil formation
Gophers bring minerals to the surface, which helps stimulate topsoil formation
Aeration
Gophers move and mix large amounts of soil, which improves aeration and reduces compaction
Fertilization
Gophers mix plant material and fecal waste into the soil, which increases fertility
Habitat benefits
Food source
Gophers are a food source for many animals, including owls, coyotes, weasels, and snakes
Shelter
Gopher burrows provide shelter for salamanders, toads, and other animals that prefer cool, moist conditions
Other benefits
Fresh seedbed
Gopher mounds provide fresh soil for new plants, which can increase plant variety
Ecosystem health
Gophers help ecosystems by aerating soil, eating insects, and mixing surface soil layers