Geographic distribution and popu- lation status of the Giant Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys ingens (Rodentia, Heteromyidae). Giant kangaroo rats are curious and bold inhabitants of the most arid, southwestern edge of central California's San Joaquin Valley and adjacent valleys and plateaus of the Inner Coastal ranges. I looked at the recovery plan and saw that the only 1.8% of the historical habitat currently exists today. The giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) is the largest of more than 20 species in the genus Dipodomys, which is in the family Heteromyidae. Burrowing by’ giant kangaroo rats modifies the surface topography of the landscape and chances the mineral composition of the soil. [ABSTRACT] 1994 Influence of the endangered giant kangaroo rat on the dispersion and fitness of two endangered plant species. In Canada, the Ord’s Kangaroo Rat is listed as endangered due to this species’ declining natural habitat, restricted geographic distribution, and small population size. Kangaroo Rats are keystone species within their local habitat which means that their protection also ensures the safety and well being of many other species of animals and plants in their ecosystem. A keystone species is one that has an disproportianate amount of effect on the enviroment and its surroundings. Pp. The Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, California submitted by the U.S fish and Wildlife Service formally recognizes that the full recovery of the Giant Kangaroo Rat will be successfully accomplished when “the three largest populations (western Kern County, Carrizo Plain Natural Area, and the Panoche Region) and the populations in the Kettleman Hills, San Juan Creek … 8 notes Ectoparasites on the Giant Kangaroo Rat, Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Obispo County, California Howard O. Clark, Jr.1,3,4, Helen K. Pigage2, Colin A. Wilkinson1, and Robert K. Burton1 1H.T. The range of giant kangaroo rats most nearly coincides with that of the San Joaquin antelope squirrel, but their microhabitats generally differ in … listed and candidate species. Fish and Wildlife Service manages a recovery plan for this species and conducts surveys to evaluate the survival of the populations and the impact of commercialization on these animals. Planning area, showing public and conservation lands Their name is based on the fact that they are adapted for two-footed (bipedal) hopping like a … This family includes kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice and pocket mice. kangaroo rats such that the species is no longer at risk of extinction in the province. This makes sense since the Giant kangaroo rat resides in an agricultural area of California. Map showing recent land uses in three categories Figure 04. What does the species recovery plan for this suggest you do to help recover Giant Kangaroo Rat?