Population ecology and landscape connectivity of kangaroo mice microdipodops SPP

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $114,950 Cooperative Agreement (Award F24AC02276) under the Candidate Species Conservation program (CFDA 15.660) to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to support research and conservation efforts for the dark kangaroo mouse and pale kangaroo mouse in Nevada's sagebrush habitats.

The project aims to study the population ecology and landscape connectivity of these two specialized rodent species, which are endemic to the Great Basin Desert. NDOW will also work with partners to implement vegetation management, habitat improvements, and restoration activities across Nevada to conserve and enhance wildlife habitat and mitigate fire risks. The project period runs from August 9, 2024 through September 30, 2025.

In nevada sagebrush habitat restorationdark kangaroo mouse microdipodops megacephalus and pale kangaroo mouse M. Pallidus are sandobligate endemics to the great basin desert. These small nocturnal rodents are highly specialized to survive in an extreme environment. Both species DIG burrows for survival and although their distributions overlap these species have unique habitat associations. The dark kangaroo mouse is primarily restricted to sandy soils with a gravel overlay in association with sagebrush and rabbit brush. The pale kangaroo mouse prefers greasewood and fine windblown sand with no gravel overlay. Historic biogeographical dynamics and modern habitat alterations influence current geographic distributions for both species such that individual populations are separated either by geological barriers or unsuitable habitat. Given their ecological specializations and fragmented distributions kangaroo mice are potentially indicator species of healthy sandy habitats of the great basin desert.within the agreement ndow also intends to work with partners to implement vegetation management habitat improvements and restoration activities throughout nevada to conserve and enhance wildlife habitat values and mitigate fire risks. Through this partnership we hope to increase the quantity and quality of projects implemented on BLM managed lands which is necessary to conserve land water and wildlife resources