The texas kangaroo RAT (diplodomys elator, TKR) is a petitioned species under review forfederal listing

The TKR historically occurred in 11 counties near the north-central boarder oftexas and 2 counties within the adjacent southern oklahoma. Currently the TKR is only found IN5 counties in texas and hasnt been observed in oklahoma for the past 50 years. The TKR hasbeen reduced to small, isolated populations largely due to conversion of its prairie habitat foragricultural purposes and has only been found in road-side ditches near crop fields in recentyears. Tkrs rely on areas with patches of short grassy vegetation and clay or loam soils, with atleast 50 of their habitat patch consisting of exposed bare ground to burrow, breed, andforage. The fort worth ZOO (FWZ) currently houses a population of tkrs and is the firstinstitution to breed the species. We have been working closely with university, state, andfederal partners for the past several years to create a breeding colony of tkrs and are preparedto embark on a reintroduction project for this imperiled species. We are requesting funding for a three-year period in the amount of 50,000 for conservationinitiatives that will lead to the establishment of a new population of tkrs within historicalhabitat and provide local managers with the tools needed to connect remaining fragmentedpopulations of tkrs within currently occupied areas or translocate reintroduce vulnerablepopulations into more protected areas. Primary goals for this project include 1) identification ofan appropriate reintroduction site, 2) expansion of the captive breeding population, 3)increased production of offspring for reintroduction, 4) post release monitoring to determineoutcomes, and 5) development of repeatable reintroduction protocols for tkrs.goals will be achieved by 1) conducting habitat assessments of up to two properties, 2)expansion of the fwzs TKR holding and breeding operations, 3) monitoring of female tkrhormone levels and vulval status, 4) hiring of contracted biologists to conduct post releasemonitoring following a determined monitoring plan and document outcomes post release (i.e.,adaptability to new site, survivorship, habitat usage, behavior, primary threats, predation, recruitment, etc.), and 5) analysis of data to inform future management strategies and establishreintroduction protocols in a distributable format. This project will help to support the administrations america the beautiful initiative. Theproject provides a clear conservation benefit that will help to prevent the listing of the texaskangaroo RAT, remove identified threats and improve status, and contribute information on thespecies response to changes in the environment. Additionally, this project enhancespartnerships with non-governmental organizations, private landowners, and leveragesresources.