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Angry giant rat4/7/2023 ![]() Historical habitat was estimated to be over 1.5 million acres. The historical distribution of giant kangaroo rats encompassed a narrow band of gently sloping ground along the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley, with occasional colonies on steeper slopes and ridge tops, from Merced County in the north to Kern County in the south and the Carrizo Plain and Cuyama Valley in San Luis Obispo County. There are generally two types of burrows: 1) a vertical shaft with a circular opening and no dirt apron, and 2) a larger, more horizontally opening shaft-usually wider than high-with a well-worn path leading to the burrow. Giant kangaroo rats develop burrow systems, called precincts, with one to five or more separate openings. However, most remaining populations are on poorer, marginal habitats which include shrub communities on a variety of soil types and steeper slopes. The giant kangaroo rat prefers annual grassland on gentle slopes with sandy soils. Rodenticide use associated with agricultural operations, including legal and illegal cannabis cultivation.Habitat conversion and fragmentation due to agricultural use, urban and industrial developments, oil and mineral exploration and extraction, solar energy, water conveyance facilities, and construction of communication and transportation infrastructure.The giant kangaroo rat faces several threats that have the potential to reduce populations. Their long, strong legs enable them to quickly hop away from predators such as snakes. The tails have a crest of long hairs, terminating in a large tuft. Their tails are longer than their combined head and body length. Large, fur-lined cheek pouches are used to store and carry seeds found while foraging. ![]() The giant kangaroo rat has a large, flattened head and a short neck. They were listed as endangered in April 1987. Named for its unique two-footed hopping movements, the giant kangaroo rat lives in grassland areas generally along the western edge of California's San Joaquin Valley from Fresno County in the north to Kern County in the south and the Carrizo Plain and Cuyama Valley in San Luis Obispo County. The giant kangaroo rat is the largest member of the family that includes kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice and pocket mice. ![]()
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