Agile Kangaroo Rat
Encyclopedia
The Agile Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys agilis, is a species of rodent
in the family Heteromyidae
. It is found in Baja California
, Mexico
and southern California
in the United States
.
Relatively little information has been published on the natural history, life history, ecology, or behavior of the Agile Kangaroo Rat. The species appears to be part of the Californian kangaroo rat radiation, which is derived from a common ancestor with Ord's Kangaroo Rat. Best compared 19 morphological measurements from specimens from 34 populations across the species range, and concluded that the species is monotypic. An observational study found distinct habitat differences between the Agile and Stephens's Kangaroo Rats, with the Agile preferring more shrubs and lighter soils.
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
in the family Heteromyidae
Heteromyidae
The family of rodents that include kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice and rock pocket mice is the Heteromyidae family. Most heteromyids live in complex burrows within the deserts and grasslands of western North America, though species within the Heteromys and Liomys genera are also found in forests and...
. It is found in Baja California
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and southern California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Relatively little information has been published on the natural history, life history, ecology, or behavior of the Agile Kangaroo Rat. The species appears to be part of the Californian kangaroo rat radiation, which is derived from a common ancestor with Ord's Kangaroo Rat. Best compared 19 morphological measurements from specimens from 34 populations across the species range, and concluded that the species is monotypic. An observational study found distinct habitat differences between the Agile and Stephens's Kangaroo Rats, with the Agile preferring more shrubs and lighter soils.