Desert kangaroo rat

The desert kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys deserti ) is a common species in the genus of pocket mice, which, inter alia, in the desert areas such as the Valley of Death the U.S. occurs.

Features

It is equipped with a body length from 30 to 38 centimeters, of which the tail makes up two-thirds, one of the largest species of its genus. Like all kangaroo rats separates them from very high concentrated urine, so it satisfies a unique water intake every 2-3 weeks. In their back pockets they transported their food in the building. Their large ears are mainly used to locate potential enemies such as rattlesnakes or the burrowing owl.

Distribution and habitat

Its distribution area are the dry areas in the southwestern United States ( California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah ) and the Baja California desert, and the Sonoran Desert in Mexico.

Way of life

She lives in groups of 6 to 12 members in a self- dug underground construction, which she leaves only to search for food, especially seeds at night.

Reproduction

This species has a year-round breeding season. The throw the female covers up to 5 Boy, which are born after a gestation period of 30 days.

Inventory and risk

The stocks of the desert kangaroo rat are seasonally very highly variable, depending on the food and water supply. From the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN), the species is classified as not threatened ( LC, Least Concern ).

Source

• David Burnie ( ed.): Animals - The big picture encyclopedia with over 2000 species. Dorling Kindersley, Starnberg 2006, ISBN 3-831-00956-2
• Jiri Felix: Animals America in color. German Ins transmitted by Jaroslav Konšal. Karl Muller, Erlangen, 1989, pp. 242-243.