Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator)

The Texas Kangaroo Rat

The Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator) is a rodent that gets its name from the tendency to hop on its hind legs like a kangaroo. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has listed the kangaroo rat as threatened since the brush it lives in is being cleared at an alarming rate.

The Texas Kangaroo Rat is only found in north-central Texas. It is unusual when compared to other kangaroo rats in that it likes a drier climate where the food is sparse and the ground has a very clay-like consistency. The rodent makes its burrow in the roots of the mesquite bush, using the root as a sort of roof or wall to protect its living space.

Averaging only about 12 cm in length, the Texas Kangaroo Rat is medium-sized for its species. Its tail is large, almost twice as long as its body, and it has large feet with four toes and very long legs. It is well suited for jumping, using its tail for support and balance. It has reddish-brown fur that is dusted with black and a white underbelly. At the end of its tail, there is a white patch, or banner, that is the Texas Kangaroo Rat’s most distinguishing feature. It has pouches in its cheeks, lined with fur, that are used for food storage.

The Texas Kangaroo Rat is very nocturnal, and they usually don’t become active until it is fully dark in an attempt to hide from predators. Often, when the moon is completely full, they won’t even leave their burrows, preferring to stay in relative safety. They usually eat seeds and leaves of plants, sometimes storing food in their cheek pouches to help them through periods where food is scarce. The rodents feed mostly on plant matter, but they will sometimes eat small insects, although this is fairly rare. Studies have shown that oats and Johnson grass are the most vital parts of the Texas Kangaroo Rat’s diet.

Reproduction in Kangaroo Rats usually starts at around 12-13 weeks of age, and they will reproduce about every four to six months. The pregnancy only lasts about 32 days, and the female can have up to seven young from one litter, but the average for each litter is only three.

Interestingly, Texas Kangaroo Rats are able to get moisture from unlikely places, such as seeds, and they can void without losing much water. Unlike other animals, Kangaroo Rats do not pant or sweat when they are overheated, which also saves moisture, and so are very suited to their environment.

Further Information on the Texas Kangaroo Rat:

E-mail info@unitedstatesfauna.com to add your Texas Kangaroo Rat related website.

Bibliography:
Kangaroo Rat. Encarta Encyclopedia, © 2000.
Desert USA. Kangaroo Rats. © 1996-2004. August 4, 2004. http://www.desertusa.com/aug96/du_krat.html
The Mammals of Texas - Online Edition. Texas Kangaroo Rat. August 4, 2004. http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/dipoelat.htm