A kangaroo rat is a cute small mammal of the Heteromyidae family, living in the Western Hemisphere of the United States. The native kangaroo rat was not endangered until the 1950s. They live mainly in California. The kangaroo rat is a nocturnal mammal that hides in its loans during the heat of the day and plugs them with loose soil as they prepare for the night, where they thrive (3). They have a diet that feeds on seeds and cereals with an average lifespan of 9.8 years. They are approximately 6-7.8 inches and have a 7-8.5 inch long tail (1). They weigh 3 to 6.3 ounces (1). The kangaroo rat gets its name from its kangaroo-like characteristics, such as hopping with its hind legs (2). They skip or leap at a speed of 10 feet per second (1). They have a long tail that is used for balance while traveling with bipedal motion (1). They have adapted to hot desert climates. They can survive on moisture from seeds and live without drinking water. (1) Their lifespan is about one to two very short years (1). They can range across many habitats as they can live in areas where precipitation and humidity are low and summer temperatures and evaporation rates are high (5). Not only can they struggle in areas with shallow water, but they can also be found in stony, clay, gravelly and rocky soils, which are the terrains they prefer. (5) Why is the kangaroo rat in danger of extinction? Unfortunately, it is an endangered species due to urban and agricultural development which has caused massive habitat disruption (1). The kangaroo rat population collapsed in the 20th century and more than 95% of this species' original range has been lost due to a mix of overgrazing, mining operations, cultivation and the introduction of exotic species. paper ...... in desert habitats as they represent a natural benefit for arid lands. With further research we may explore the benefits of kangaroo rat kidneys which could open the door to future benefits. They pose little problems and are unique creatures that may never be seen again if we don't save them. Works Cited http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/interactives-extras/animal-guides/animal-guide -giant-kangaroo-rat/2196/ http://fieldguides.eol.org/fguides/fieldguide- view.php?guidekey=485&eol_id=328111&sci_flag=0 http://www.arkive.org/giant-kangaroo-rat/ dipodomys-ingens/ http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/KangarooRats.asp http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_rat http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2009/07/patico-animal-in danger of extinction http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6678/0http ://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pubhtml.php?doc=sjvrp&file=chapter02H00.html