burrowing

Burrowing is the act of digging and occupying underground tunnels or chambers. It is performed by a wide range of organisms, including mammals such as moles, gophers, badgers, and prairie dogs; birds such as burrowing owls; reptiles such as some lizards; and many invertebrates such as earthworms, termites, and ants. Burrows provide shelter from predators and temperature extremes, nesting or foraging sites, and can improve access to moisture and food resources.

Digging is accomplished through specialized anatomy and behavior. Forelimbs with strong claws, powerful shoulder muscles, and a flexible spine aid tunnel construction in mammals, while earthworms move by peristaltic contractions to push soil. Some animals use snouts, teeth, or body movements to loosen material. Burrowing species often select soils that are easier to excavate and design tunnels to prevent collapse, sometimes using pre-existing cavities or connecting multiple chambers.

Burrow architecture ranges from simple single tunnels to complex networks with nesting chambers, food caches, latrines, and escape routes. Burrows influence ecosystems by aerating and mixing soil, enhancing drainage, and contributing to nutrient cycling. They can provide habitats for other organisms and affect plant communities and microclimates. In human contexts, burrowing can cause agricultural or infrastructural challenges, but it also contributes to soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem engineering.

Examples include moles, gophers, prairie dogs, naked mole-rats, and earthworms, as well as burrowing owls and some desert reptiles. Burrowing has ecological and evolutionary significance, shaping species interactions and landscape structure. Conservation and management of burrow systems can be important for biodiversity, while responsible land use can mitigate conflicts with human activities.