Kangaroo mouse


There are two species of kangaroo mouse native to the Great Basin Desert of the western United States, predominantly found in the state of Nevada. The name "kangaroo mouse" alludes to the species' extraordinary jumping ability, similar to the much larger-bodied kangaroos. The two species are:
Both species of kangaroo mouse live in sandy desert ecosystems, and forage for seeds and vegetation amongst the scrub brush of their native habitat. The dark kangaroo mouse is also known to feed occasionally on insects and carrion. The mice rarely drinks water, instead deriving it metabolically from the foods it eats. The kangaroo mouse collects food and maintains large caches in their burrows, which are excavated to a length of between. The burrow, the entrance to which the mouse covers during daylight hours, is also used to raise litters of between 2 and 7 young The pale kangaroo mouse burrows only in fine sand, while the dark kangaroo mouse prefers fine, gravelly soils but may also burrow in sand or sandy soil.
Kangaroo mice are nocturnal, and are most active in the two hours following sunset. They are believed to hibernate during cold weather. Although data suggests populations of both pale and dark kangaroo mice are similarly sized, there is still some concern for the survival of smaller and more vulnerable Microdipodops subpopulations due to impending habitat threats in the Great Basin Desert.
The kangaroo mice are closely related to the kangaroo rats, which belong to the same subfamily, Dipodomyinae.

Distinguishing features

The difference between a pale and dark kangaroo mouse is the color of their fur which is suggested in their names. While a dark kangaroo mouse has dark brown and black fur, a pale kangaroo mouse has a lighter, pale brown color.
Both pale and dark Microdipodops species share the same features such as having wide eyes, long and silky fur, shortened forelegs, elongated hind legs, and a long, slim tail with fur at the end that is used for balance. The average tail length is . Their hind legs are proportionately large with fringed stiff hairs at the side and the undersurface of their feet to help through movement in sandy desert habitats. An average kangaroo mouse adult weighs with an average total length of and an average hind foot with the length of.
Due to their extremely inflated auditory bullae, that is extended in the upper portion of their head, and large ear structure, kangaroo mice skulls are relatively larger in size to their body which contributes to their keen hearing used to detect predators.

Diet

Both dark and pale kangaroo mice are herbivores, primarily granivorous. Their intake of food consists of seeds, grains, and nuts; in the summer insects are taken as well. Kangaroo mice use the front of their teeth to husk seeds, then carry and store in their fur-lined cheek pouches back to their burrowed homes. An extraordinary fact about some heteromyid species, such as the kangaroo mouse, is that they can spend several extended periods of time, even lifetimes, without consuming water. This is due to their efficient kidneys and ability to extract sufficient water from food and is essential in their survival in desert areas. The fat they get from their food is also stored in their tail.

Predation

The fur color of both pale and dark kangaroo mice aid in blending in to background environments against predators. The system of their complex burrows help them in escaping predators, and a high-pitched squeal is uttered when threatened.
Known predators