Dipodomys stephensi (Merriam, 1907)

Stephens's Kangaroo Rat

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN) external link Showing: scientific names

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General Description

Description

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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Stephen's Kangaroo Rat is endangered, chiefly due to habitat loss. It lives only in isolated populations in three counties of southern California. The Kangaroo Rats maintain a network of aboveground trails that follow the lines of their tunnels and connect burrow openings. Their home ranges average 570-970 square meters, but may be as large as 1,600 square meters. Living in association with this Kangaroo Rat in sparsely vegetated annual grassland and sage-scrub communities are Deermice, Agile and Dulzura's Kangaroo Rats, and Desert Woodrats. Domestic dogs and cats prey on this species, as do owls, coyotes, foxes, and snakes.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
References
  • Merriam, C.H., 1907.  Descriptions of ten new kangaroo rats, p. 78.  Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 20:75-79.
"Dipodomys stephensi (Merriam, 1907)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328118". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.