Scientifically known as Dipodomys ordii, Ord's Kangaroo Rat is a small, nocturnal rodent with large hind legs found in the deserts of North America. Kangaroo Rats are solitary and have several adaptations to survive in these remote areas. Its name derives from its bipedal movement, a form of locomotion also used by the kangaroo.
Like the kangaroo, but developed entirely separately, the kangaroo rat can hop around at great distances and with the ability to quickly change direction whilst jumping. Aside from its way of getting around, the kangaroo rat is distinguished by its tail being longer than that of both its body and head combined.
Ord’s Kangaroo Rats have a height of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm), body length between 3.5”-5.5” (8-14 cm ), and an overall weight in the range of 2.1-3.4 oz (60-95 g). The tail length of a Ord’s Kangaroo Rat is 5.5”-6.5” (14-17 cm). Ord’s Kangaroo Rats have a typical lifespan of 2-5 years in the wild and up to 5-10 years in captivity.
Scientifically known as Dipodomys ordii, Ord's Kangaroo Rat is a small, nocturnal rodent with large hind legs found in the deserts of North America. Kangaroo Rats are solitary and have several adaptations to survive in these remote areas. Its name derives from its bipedal movement, a form of locomotion also used by the kangaroo.
Like the kangaroo, but developed entirely separately, the kangaroo rat can hop around at great distances and with the ability to quickly change direction whilst jumping. Aside from its way of getting around, the kangaroo rat is distinguished by its tail being longer than that of both its body and head combined.
Ord’s Kangaroo Rats have a height of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm), body length between 3.5”-5.5” (8-14 cm ), and an overall weight in the range of 2.1-3.4 oz (60-95 g). The tail length of a Ord’s Kangaroo Rat is 5.5”-6.5” (14-17 cm). Ord’s Kangaroo Rats have a typical lifespan of 2-5 years in the wild and up to 5-10 years in captivity.
