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Kangaroo Rat

Microdipodops, or kangaroo mice, are desert acrobats of North America. With powerful hind legs and cheek pouches, they bounce through sandy habitats. Adapted to dry environments, they thrive without direct water, highlighting their unique survival skills amid the arid landscape.

5 years
Lifespan
11.299999999999999 - 17.0 g
Weight
Length: 7 - 8 cm; Height: 5 - 5 cm
Size
Brown, Dark, Beige
Color
2 months
Age of Sexual Maturity
21 days
Age of Weaning
Low
Aggression
Characteristics
Microdipodops, commonly known as kangaroo mice, are small rodents native to the arid regions of North America. They have large hind legs for jumping, long tails, and fur-covered bodies. Nocturnal by nature, they store seeds in cheek pouches and have adapted to survive without drinking water, deriving moisture from their food.
Distribution Range of the Kangaroo Rat
Microdipodops, commonly known as kangaroo mice, are native to the Great Basin region of the western United States. This includes parts of Nevada, California, Oregon, and Utah.
Kangaroo Rat's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Kangaroo mice inhabit arid and semi-arid environments characterized by sandy or gravelly soils. They are typically found in desert and scrubland areas where the climate is dry and temperatures can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters.
Ecological Niche
Kangaroo mice are adapted to desert life, exhibiting nocturnal behavior to avoid daytime heat and conserve water. They are granivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, and have physical adaptations like large hind legs for jumping, which aids in mobility across sandy terrain. Their burrowing behavior helps them escape predators and extreme temperatures.