Description One of the largest kangaroo rats. Yellowish buff above; white below. Tail crested, with white tip preceded by dusky rather than black band. Short dark cinnamon stripe on top of tail; stripe on bottom of tail is absent or very pale, only slightly darker than light sides of tail. No dark facial markings. Hindfoot has 4 toes. L 1214 3/4" (305377 mm); T 7 1/88 1/2" (180215 mm); HF 22 1/4" (5058 mm); E 1/2 5/8" (1215 mm); Wt 2 3/44 7/8 oz (80138 g).
Similar Species Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat has black band of hairs preceding white tail tip and smaller hindfeet.
Breeding 1 or 2 litters per year of 16 young, born from January to July; height of reproductive period in February. Gestation 2932 days. Newborn weighs about 1/16 oz (3 g) and is about 20 (52 mm) long.
Sign Well-worn trails often leading away from burrows.
Habitat Areas of soft sand, such as dunes; creosote bush or shad scale scrub.
Range Western and s Nevada south through se California and w Arizona.
Discussion The Desert Kangaroo Rat occupies the most arid region of the North American desert. When excited, it kicks sand and drums the ground with its large hindfeet; it also kicks sand at objects to determine if they are alive. Like all kangaroo rats, this animal is usually abroad at night, when humidity is highest, but it keeps to its burrow when the moon is bright and it could easily be spotted by predators. It is, however, occasionally out during the day. This is a solitary species: Only one individual occupies a burrow, and drives other individuals away. It moves soil by pulling it between the hindfeet; the hindlimbs may be used to push sand backward or when the animal is underground. The forelimbs or chest may also be used to push sand. The Desert Kangaroo Rats burrow system is up to 4 1/2 feet (1.5 m) deep, with entrances leading into a labyrinth of passages that connect with several food storage rooms and a nest chamber. The nest is of grass and other plant material. Mesquite pods and various kinds of seeds are cached in the storage areas. Food consists of many kinds of seeds, but includes little green vegetation. Kangaroo rats put seeds into their mouth pouches very rapidly; their forelimbs move together and can pocket 20 to 60 millet seeds per second. Where the Desert Kangaroo Rat and Merriams both occur, the Desert stores larger seeds. This kangaroo rat commonly takes sand-baths that include side and belly rubs. It first rapidly digs with its forepaws, then anchors its forepaws in the dirt to hold itself steady. The cheek is lowered and the animal rapidly extends and flexes the body with one side or the belly against the ground. The female Desert Kangaroo Rat sits on her hindlimbs while giving birth. The newborns are suspended by their umbilical cords and dragged across the ground until the cords break. The mother kicks sand on the newborns, perhaps to dry them. The adult color pattern appears at 21 days. This species drums more than other kangaroo rats. Predators include foxes, Coyotes, Bobcats, hawks, snakes, owls, and spotted skunks. Many individuals are killed on the highways.
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