Pocket gophers (Geomys attwateri) were excluded from exclosures for 30 months, in order to compare vegetative data from a control plot (gophers not excluded). Removal of gophers had no effect on plant species composition or richness. For most plant species, frequency, cover, and biomass increased when gophers were excluded. Only one grass species (Paspalum) had significantly more biomass within the exclosure. Belowground biomass of perennial monocotyledons was significantly lower in the control, due to continued consumption by gophers. Aboveground biomass of perennial forbs was significantly greater in the control, probably as a result of the decreased competitive abilities of perennial monocotyledons in the presence of gophers.
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