Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
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MCB <strong>Camp</strong> <strong>Pendleton</strong>, California<br />
3.2.4.10. Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR) (Dipodomys stephensi)<br />
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat is a<br />
nocturnal burrow-dwelling rodent,<br />
which physically resembles all other<br />
kangaroo rat species, in having long<br />
hind legs, small front legs and feet,<br />
brown upper parts, fur-lined cheek<br />
pouches, a white belly, and a long<br />
tufted-tail. The species reaches its<br />
highest densities in intermediate<br />
successional stage grassland<br />
communities characterized by moderate<br />
to high amounts of bare ground, high<br />
forb cover, moderate slopes, and welldrained<br />
soils (USFWS 2004k). It is<br />
FIGURE 3-23. STEPHENS’ KANGAROO RAT<br />
(PHOTO SOURCE: B. MOOSE PETERSON, USFWS)<br />
commonly found in close association<br />
with dirt roads, previously and currently<br />
disturbed sites, and/or other areas with a high percentage of bare ground (USFWS 1997b &<br />
2004k). Threats to the Stephens’ kangaroo rat are attributed to agricultural and urban<br />
development that reduce and fragment available habitat.<br />
MANAGEMENT STATUS<br />
Federal Status<br />
The USFWS designated the Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) as federally<br />
endangered on 30 September 1988 (USFWS 1988). Per completion of the species 5-Year<br />
Review on 22 July 2011 the Stephens’ kangaroo rat was recommended to be downlisted to<br />
threatened; however the final determination is still pending (Berry pers. comm. 2012 &<br />
USFWS 2011i). Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, nor has a final<br />
recovery plan been approved; however, a draft recovery plan is available (USFWS 1997b).<br />
California Status<br />
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat was listed as a State threatened species on 27 June 1971<br />
(CDFG 2008a).<br />
Regional Status<br />
The Stephens’ kangaroo rat is a covered species in the following southern California NCCP<br />
documents:<br />
• Citation Builders Ridge at Cresta Verde.<br />
• Corona Development Co.<br />
• El Sobrante Landfill.<br />
• Harley John Reservoir.<br />
• John Laing Properties, Village Green.<br />
• Lake Mathews.<br />
3-56 <strong>Chapter</strong> 3 – <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Resources</strong>