Family: Heteromyidae, Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats view all from this family
Description One of the smallest kangaroo rats. Light yellowish buff above; white below. Long tail with white side stripes that are wider than dark top and bottom stripes, and with dusky tufted tip. Dark line on either side of nose but not connected across it; facial markings paler than in most species. Hindfoot has 4 toes. L 8 5/8-10 1/4" (220-260 mm); T 4 7/8-6 1/4" (123-157 mm); HF 1 3/8-1 5/8" (36-41 mm); Wt 1 3/8-1 5/8 oz (38-47 g).
Endangered Status The San Bernardino Merriam's Kangaroo Rat, a subspecies of Merriam's Kangaroo Rat, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in California. This subspecies has declined as its habitat in southern California has been overtaken by development and altered by dam construction and other water-managment practices.
Similar Species Among 4-toed species, Desert and Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rats are much larger, with longer hindfeet.
Breeding Reproduction season January-August. Probably 2 or more litters per year of 1-5 young after gestation of 29 days.
Habitat Sagebrush, shad scale, and creosote bush desert scrubs, in a great variety of soil types.
Range Western Nevada, s California, sw Utah, nw and s Arizona, s New Mexico, and w Texas.
Discussion Merriam's Kangaroo Rat usually has one adult per burrow system; both male and female display territorial behavior. This species feeds mostly on seeds, especially of mesquite, creosote bush, purslane, grama grass, and ocotillo, but also consumes some green vegetation, especially from February through May and in August. When Merriam's occurs with another kangaroo rat, Merriam's is often found in areas of hard soil and the other on sand. This is especially true when it is found with Ord's Kangaroo Rat.
