Goliath kangaroo rat (SciiFii)

Not to be confused with the giant kangaroo rat, which belongs to the genus Dipodomys.

The goliath kangaroo rat (Bipedomys macropoides), sometimes known as the giant kangaroo rat, is a species of kangaroo rat that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across the western United States and Mexico to help boost biodiversity. The goliath is the world's largest species of kangaroo rat, measuring about 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in length, including its long, tufted tail. It is tan or brown in color. Like other kangaroo rats, it has a large head and large eyes, and long, strong hind leg with which helps it hop at high speeds. Goliath kangaroo rats are primarily seed eaters, but also eat green plants and insects. Most goliath kangaroo rats gather seeds when they are available and store them for consumption later. The seeds are put into small pits on the surface of the soil and scattered over the home range of the individual. The small pits only the content of the two cheek pouches. The goliath kangaroo rat lives in colonies, and the individuals communicate with each other by drumming their feet on the ground. These foot thumping signals range from single, short thumps to long, drawn out “footrolls” that can average over 100 drums at 18 drums per second. These audible signals serve both as a warning of approaching danger, as a territorial communication, and to communicate mating status. In the spring and summer, individuals generally spend less than two hours of the night foraging above ground. They are very territorial and never leave their den for more than 15 minutes per day. The goliath kangaroo rat then stores the seeds in a larder for later eating and gives birth to a litter of 3 to 9 babies, with an average of 5 per litter. It communicates with potential mates by sand-bathing, where the giant kangaroo rat rubs its sides in sand, leaving behind a scent to attract mates. Goliath kangaroo rats live for around 4-7 years. The conservation status of the goliath kangaroo rat is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the goliath kangaroo rat's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.