kangaroo rat

noun

1. any of various small jumping rodents of the family Heteromyidae, of Mexico and the western U.S.
2. an Australian desert rodent of the genus Notomys.

kangaroo rat

noun

1. any small leaping rodent of the genus Dipodomys, related to the squirrels and inhabiting desert regions of North America, having a stocky body and very long hind legs and tails: family Heteromyidae
2. Also calledkangaroo mouse any of several leaping murine rodents of the Australian genus Notomys

Word History and Origins

Origin of kangaroo rat¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The 27,500 acres of grassland, shrub land, blue oak savanna and riparian corridors serve as habitats for 299 animal species and 250 native plant species, including the Camatta Canyon amole plant, Bell’s vireo and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard as well as the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, the California condor and the giant kangaroo rat.

From Los Angeles Times

After the heavy rains, Southern California wildlife experts are already noticing more of certain species, such as the kangaroo rat and red-tailed hawk.

From Los Angeles Times

The Santa Cruz kangaroo rat, more closely related to chipmunks and gophers than kangaroos or rats, had not been spotted in the area since the 1940s.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2019, cameras set up by wildlife photographer and researcher Ken Hickman in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, a sprawling, 19,000-acre tract of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains, captured images of a tiny creature with prominent black eyes, large back legs and a long tail — a Santa Cruz kangaroo rat.

From Los Angeles Times

Conservationists rejoiced when California declared the San Bernardino kangaroo rat an endangered species.

From Los Angeles Times