Texas kangaroo rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texas kangaroo rat |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dipodomys
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| Species: |
elator
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The Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator) is a special type of rodent. It belongs to the Heteromyidae family. These rats are found only in Texas. They often live near thorny bushes like mesquite and lotebush. They like areas with firm, clay-loam soil.
This kangaroo rat is quite large for a rodent. It usually weighs between 60 and 95 grams. Male rats are typically bigger than females. You can find them in north-central Texas, specifically in only 13 counties. They used to live in Oklahoma too, but they are now gone from there. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists them as threatened. The IUCN says they are vulnerable. This means they need our help to survive.
Where They Live
Many people once thought Texas kangaroo rats needed thorny bushes to live. However, new studies show that lotebush is also important. It seems they might not even need bushes at all!
Their burrows, which are like underground homes, are not always next to bushes. They can be found on small grassy mounds. These rats also use loose, soft soil that gathers along fences and farm roads. This soft soil is easy for them to dig in.
What They Eat
A study looked at what Texas kangaroo rats keep in their cheek pouches. These pouches are like little pockets for carrying food. The study found that they eat leaves from grasses and other plants. They also eat stems and seeds.
In one study area, there were fields with Johnson grass and cultivated oats. The seeds from these plants were a very big part of their diet. This shows they eat what is available around them.
Threats and Protection
One of the biggest dangers to the Texas kangaroo rat is losing its home. This happens because of farming in Texas. Large fields of just one crop, like wheat, cause a big problem.
Also, how land is grazed by animals can hurt them. If too many cattle eat all the plants, the rats lose their food. If the plants grow too thick, it can also be a problem.
However, if grazing is done carefully, it can actually help these rodents. Proper grazing creates open, bare ground. This bare ground is important for the rats to take dust baths. It also helps them move around easily. They use it to hide seeds and to dig their burrows. More research is needed to understand how land use affects these special rats.
Further Reading
- Mammals of Texas. Texas Kangaroo Rat
- Nelson, A. D., J. R. Goetze, and J. S. Henderson. 2011. Vegetation associated with the Texas kangaroo rat burrows in Wichita County, Texas. Texas Journal of Science 66:3-20. ResearchGate Link
- Nelson, A. D., J. R. Goetze, E. Watson, and M. Nelson. 2009. Changes in vegetation patterns and their effect on Texas kangaroo rats (Dipodomys elator). Texas Journal of Science 61:119-130. ResearchGate Link
