Giant kangaroo rats are among the many animals that have found a place on the endangered species list. Endangered kangaroo rats have extremely low population numbers and are at risk of becoming extinct. Conservation projects are underway to try and keep this from happening.
About Giant Kangaroo Rats
There are over 20 different species of kangaroo rats that have been placed on the endangered species list. One of the species of kangaroo rats on
the list is the Giant kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ingens). These endangered kangaroo rats are the largest in the kangaroo rat family. These large rodents can grow up to 23 inches, including their tails. This tiny animal has an enormous leap of over six feet.
Giant kangaroo rats live in natural habitats of dry and sandy grasslands. These rodents are rarely seen because they only come to the surface for 15 minutes at a time. The kangaroo rats are unique because they require very little water to survive. They live off of a diet of seeds and plants that they store underground to survive the winter.
The giant kangaroo rats can only be found in west-central California. The area they call home is less than five square miles, located between the Carrizo Plain and Taft city. This area has become legally protected to help increase the population numbers of this rodent.
On the Endangered List
The species have become threatened by loss of habitat. This has placed them on the endangered species list. Their habitat is being diminished by agricultural growth in the area. As the population of California increases, the more land is needed to support the growth. Unfortunately, this is harming the giant kangaroo rats.
Conservation Attempts
Many conservation attempts have been underway to help replenish this rodent population. With the efforts in effect, the kangaroo rats may someday be able to be removed from the endangered species list. The current population of this rodent is frequently monitored to measure the changes in their population.
Land is being set aside for the giant kangaroo rat species to help replenish their population. The area of land that is protected lies between the San Luis Obispo county and Kern County in California. This area is protected to limit the agricultural growth of the area. This project strives to maintain a suitable habitat for the rodents to survive. With this effort in place, it is hoped the kangaroo rat population will increase and they can be one of the species removed from the endangered species list.
References:
“Giant Kangaroo Rat” Earth’s Endangered Creatures
“Monitored from Space” By Levi Novey September 22, 2008 PlanetSave.com
Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dipodomys_ingens.jpg