Midpen Regional Open Space: New Genetics Study Reveals Rarity of Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rats

March 5 - Following the exciting rediscovery of the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus venustus) in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in 2019, Midpen and collaborators at UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo launched a five-year genetics research project to learn more about kangaroo rat populations in Central California. Contrary to their name, these rare rodents are more closely related to chipmunks than to kangaroos or rats. They can be found in areas of loose, sandy soil in chaparral habitat where they burrow and store seeds—particularly from manzanitas—for future meals. The seeds that remain uneaten are protected from wildfire, helping the plants regenerate. Santa Cruz kangaroo rats’ critical role in maintaining ecological balance makes them a keystone species of the chaparral. Read on about their protection HERE.