2014 guide to species at risk in the prairie provinces: chapter 1
Mammals
Ord's Kangaroo Rat
Dipodomys ordii
Endangered
Ord’s kangaroo rats are small nocturnal rodents with large hind legs and feet and long tufted tails. They are well adapted to desert environments, spending most of the day in underground burrows and foraging for seeds at night. These rodents depend on open and sparsely vegetated habitats such as active sand dunes and sandy hills that occur in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan.
Did you know?
- Its common name comes from its kangaroo-like hind legs and hopping style of locomotion; they are able to jump as far as 2 m in a single leap.
- Kangaroo rats use shallow hibernation to conserve energy during the harsh Canadian winter, but most don’t survive until the spring.
Swift Fox
Vulpes velox
Threatened
Swift foxes are about the same size as jack rabbits or large house cats. Their small size and black-tipped tail distinguish them from red foxes. Their dens are usually on hills near water bodies, and they roam in the open prairie in search of grasshoppers, small mammals and dead animals.
Did you know?
- Named for their remarkable speed, this slender member of the canine family can run faster than 60 km/hr.
- Once completely extirpated from Canada, the swift fox is making a come-back thanks to a successful re-introduction program and on-going support from landowners.
Western Harvest Mouse
Riethrodontomys megalotis dychei
Endangered
The Western harvest mouse is one of the smallest mammals inhabiting the Prairies. It is a long-tailed brownish mouse with a light underbelly and white feet. It is similar in appearance to juvenile deer mice, but deer mice are greyer in colour. Western harvest mice are omnivorous, nocturnal, and can be found in shrub-steppe habitats that contain extensive cover. They make nests at the base of shrubs by weaving together grasses to create shelter for themselves.
Did you know?
- Its common name comes from its habit of “harvesting” grasses and leaving them in piles along vole runs.
- Prior to 1994, this subspecies had only been documented three times in Canada.
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