Dipodomys stephensi (Stephen's Kangaroo Rat)

Credit: B. Moose Peterson

Credit: B. Moose Peterson

about the species

Dipodomys stephensi (Stephen's Kangaroo Rat) occurs in western Riverside County, western San Diego County, and central San Diego County. It currently has IUCN endangered, federal ESA and state threatened CESA status, due largely to loss of viable habitat from urban and agricultural development. The USFWS has proposed to change its status from federal ESA to threatened due to relatively stable populations and conservation plans in Riverside County and on several military bases.

why species was selected

Like other kangaroo rats, a genomic approach will illuminate how the remaining genetic variation is partitioned among its sparse populations.

Explore other species

Mammals, Threatened or Endangeredcourtney miller