Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MCB Camp Pendleton, California
3.2.4.10. Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR) (Dipodomys stephensi)
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat is a
nocturnal burrow-dwelling rodent,
which physically resembles all other
kangaroo rat species, in having long
hind legs, small front legs and feet,
brown upper parts, fur-lined cheek
pouches, a white belly, and a long
tufted-tail. The species reaches its
highest densities in intermediate
successional stage grassland
communities characterized by moderate
to high amounts of bare ground, high
forb cover, moderate slopes, and welldrained
soils (USFWS 2004k). It is
FIGURE 3-23. STEPHENS’ KANGAROO RAT
(PHOTO SOURCE: B. MOOSE PETERSON, USFWS)
commonly found in close association
with dirt roads, previously and currently
disturbed sites, and/or other areas with a high percentage of bare ground (USFWS 1997b &
2004k). Threats to the Stephens’ kangaroo rat are attributed to agricultural and urban
development that reduce and fragment available habitat.
MANAGEMENT STATUS
Federal Status
The USFWS designated the Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) as federally
endangered on 30 September 1988 (USFWS 1988). Per completion of the species 5-Year
Review on 22 July 2011 the Stephens’ kangaroo rat was recommended to be downlisted to
threatened; however the final determination is still pending (Berry pers. comm. 2012 &
USFWS 2011i). Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, nor has a final
recovery plan been approved; however, a draft recovery plan is available (USFWS 1997b).
California Status
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat was listed as a State threatened species on 27 June 1971
(CDFG 2008a).
Regional Status
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat is a covered species in the following southern California NCCP
documents:
• Citation Builders Ridge at Cresta Verde.
• Corona Development Co.
• El Sobrante Landfill.
• Harley John Reservoir.
• John Laing Properties, Village Green.
• Lake Mathews.
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