Heteromyidae – Heteromyids
The family of pocket mice and kangaroo rats -which despite their name, are neither kangaroo nor rats!
These rodents range in size from small to medium. The deserts and dry grasslands are home to many species in this family. Seeds and other plant pieces make up the bulk of these rodents’ diets, although they may occasionally consume small amounts of animal tissue. They save the seeds they collect in their cheek pouches for later consumption.
Almost all critters live underground in elaborate burrow networks that provide several entrances and exits. Kangaroo rats are able to survive in extreme environments with little to no water supply. Hopping on their hind legs is the primary mode of transportation for these rodents, which allows them to get around even in the densest grass and the most complex desert mazes.
