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Desert kangaroo rats are denizens of desert areas with sandy soil; vegetation is typically sparse and consists of creosote bush, a variety of grasses, and cacti. [8] Desert kangaroo rats live in burrow systems under slight mounds of soil 6-9m across; [8] they sleep in a den, which is sealed off at extreme temperatures, during the day. [4]
Kangaroo rats also live in colonies that range from six to several hundred dens. [10] The burrow of a kangaroo rat is important in providing protection from the harsh desert environment. To maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity in their burrows, kangaroo rats plug the entrances with soil during the day. [4]
The giant kangaroo rat, is the largest of over 20 species of kangaroo rats, which are small members of the rodent family. It measures about 15 cm (5.9 in) in length, not including its long, tufted tail, and is tan or brown in color. Like other kangaroo rats it has a large head, large eyes, and long, strong hind legs which helps it hop quickly.
This species shows signs of localization due to soil requirements. The pattern of burrowing systems for common mole-rats optimizes their access to food, especially geophytes. [5] Burrowing has a negative economic impact in that it damages human property but it is also positive in that it improves soil drainage and turnover. [4]
Damaraland mole-rats live in networks of tunnels, [8] which they dig with their front teeth. The tunnels are 65 to 75 mm (2.6 to 3.0 in) in diameter, and may stretch for up to 1 km (0.62 mi). The tunnels are 65 to 75 mm (2.6 to 3.0 in) in diameter, and may stretch for up to 1 km (0.62 mi).
Ord's kangaroo rats dig shallow burrows in loose sand in the sides of natural sand dunes, riverbanks, or road cuts. The one central burrow is surrounded by trails to feeding areas. [19] The burrows have 3-in-diameter (7.6-cm-dia) openings. Small mounds are usually formed outside the entrance to the burrow. [26]
Fat sand rats are not social animals. They live in separate burrows, with males occupying larger ranges of space than females. [8] [13] Typically, members of the same sex actively avoid interacting, but when females do encounter each other, they engage in aggressive behaviours, and will attack each other. [8]
Heteromyidae is a family of rodents consisting of kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, pocket mice and spiny pocket mice.Most heteromyids live in complex burrows within the deserts and grasslands of western North America, though species within the genus Heteromys are also found in forests and their range extends as far south as northern South America.