Genus Dipodomys Higher classification Kangaroo rat | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Dipodomys californicus Rank Species | |
Similar Kangaroo rat, Narrow‑faced kangaroo rat, Rodent, Heermann's kangaroo rat, Mammal | ||
The California kangaroo rat (Dipodomys californicus) is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. However, populations are declining as the drought in California destroys their habitat (the grasslands) and changes it into desert.
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Distribution
The California kangaroo rat is endemic to the Western United States, found in Northern California and southern Oregon. Habitats include the (U.S.) Its distribution is from the Sierra Nevada foothills to Suisun Bay, and northwards in the California Coast Ranges to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. California's Kangaroo Mountain was likely named after the California kangaroo rat.
It is an IUCN listed Least Concern species, due to the size of its distribution range.
Taxonomy
Dipodomys californicus was formerly included as a subspecies of Dipodomys heermanni, but differs enough in chromosomal and biochemical characteristics to warrant being recognized as a distinct species.