Herpetology Notes, volume 11: 387-389 (2018) (published online on 09 May 2018) Predator activity associated with Gopherus flavomarginatus burrows Sara Valenzuela-Ceballos1, Gamaliel Castañeda-Gaytán1,* and Ernesto �ecerra1 Due to being endemic, and because their fossorial in Mexico (due that �e �ere searching for vertebrate habits apparently increase the presence and abundance of associated to the tortoise burro�s, �e did not take numerous other species, the �olson tortoises, Gopherus into account the sex of the bolson tortoise burro�s flavomarginatus (Legler, 1959), are considered both a inhabitants). Active burro�s �ere selected based on flagship and keystone species for the Mapimi �iosphere external characteristics according to Auffenberg and Reserve (Aguirre et al., 1997). �urro�s of this species Franz (1982) and Cox et al. (1987). Observations of can measure over five meters in length and have a depth predators included coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823), of 1.6 meters (Auffenberg, 1969, Morafka, 1982, Aguirre bobcats (Lynx rufus Schreber, 1777), foxes (Urocyon et al. 1984). These burro�s provide a thermal gradient cinereoargenteus Schreber, 1775 and Vulpes macrotis that ranges bet�een 42°C at the entrance to 28°C at 30 Merriam, 1888), badgers (Taxidea taxus Schreber, cm inside (Morafka, 1982). Due to these characteristics, 1777) and skunks (Mephitis mephitis Schreber, 1776). such burro�s are an attractive place for other vertebrate These species appeared regularly on photographs that and invertebrate species looking for refuge. Thirty- sho�ed them near the burro�s, apparently looking for six vertebrates have been observed occasionally, prey. Among the burro� entrance observations t�o temporarily or seasonally occupying the burro�s of predation events �ere recorded during 2014, the first G. flavomarginatus, (Valenzuela-Ceballos unpublished �as the predation of a black tail-hare (Lepus californicus data). The importance of burro�s of other Gopherus Gray, 1837) by a coyote (Canis latrans) (Figure 1). tortoises for facilitating the occurrence and trophic The hare �as taking refuge inside of the burro� �hen interactions of multiple species is �ell documented; for it �as caught. The second predation event �as upon example, for the G. flavomarginatus sister taxa, Gopher a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.) by a burro�ing o�l tortoises (G. polyphemus), 60 vertebrate species and (Athene cunicularia Molina, 1782) (Figure 2). The 302 invertebrate species �ere observed making use kangaroo rat �as near the burro�’s entrance �hen the of their burro�s (Jackson and Milstrey, 1989, Ashton burro�ing o�l chased it. and Ashton, 2008). Ho�ever, similar associations Gopher tortoise burro�s �ere found to be a key factor and interactions at G. flavomarginatus burro�s have for the abundance and interactions of a broad range not previously been published. To document species of species (Ashton and Ashton, 2008 and Catano and use and interactions at �olson tortoise burro�s �e Stout, 2015). While �olson tortoises and their burro�s installed 9 cameras (�ushnell Trophy cam®, 8 mega have not had the same level of detailed studies, their pixel) directed to�ards nine active adult bolson tortoise burro�’s cooler microclimate in a region �here daytime burro� entrances �ithin the Mapimi �iosphere Reserve summer temperatures regularly exceed species’ thermal tolerances (Morafka, 1982), plus the abundance of predator activity at the burro� entrances argue that �olson tortoises and their burro�s may play a similar, keystone species role in the Chihuahuan Desert. The regular visitation of predators at �olson tortoise burro�s 1 Facultad de Ciencias �iológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado suggests that these sites probably are suitable not just as de Durango, Gómez Palacio, Durango, México. a refuge for vertebrates, but also provide an important * Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] predator / prey interaction. 388 Sara Valenzuela-Ceballos et al. Figure 1. The picture sho�s a hare (Lepus californicus) being predated by a coyote (Canis latrans) on the entrance of a �olson tortoise burro�. Figure 2. �urro�ing o�l (Athene cunicularia) �ith a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.) prey at the entrance of a �olson tortoise burro�. Predator activity associated �ith Gopherus flavomarginatus burro�s 389 References Catano P.C., Stout I. J. (2015). 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