Merriam's
Kangaroo Rat
Dipodomys merriami
Body length: 5 - 6"
Diet: Seeds and some greens
Kangaroo rats are perfectly suited to desert life. Through behaviors and physiological
processes which keep them from losing body moisture, they can survive without
ever drinking fresh water. Small amounts of water are derived from foods such
as seeds and green vegetation. Like many desert animals these rodents are almost
entirely nocturnal, spending the day in underground burrows.
Though unrelated to kangaroos, kangaroo rats hop about on oversized hind feet,
much like their Australian namesakes. Kangaroo rats also have pouches, though
they are located in their cheeks, not bellies, and are used for carrying seeds,
not babies. Merriam's kangaroo rats are uncommon at Tonto National Monument. They
prefer relatively flat, sandy areas with little vegetation, as occur north of
Route 188 near Roosevelt Lake.
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Updated
May 8, 2005