Kangaroo mouse

Although mitochondrial data indicate that the clades appear to be in approximate genetic equilibrium and have not suffered any extreme bottlenecks over time, there is still concern for the survival of smaller and more vulnerable Microdipodops subpopulations due to impending habitat threats in the Great Basin Desert.

[1] 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.

[1] 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.

[2] 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.

[2] 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.