An assessment of the endangerment status of the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus)

In order to assess the endangerment status of the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus venustus) I investigated four of the major correlates of extinction: historic isolation, genetic diversity, range collapse, and demographics. Specifically, this study: (1) clarifies taxonomic relationships between D. venustus conspecifics, (2) examines genetic variability within the remaining D. v. venustus population, (3) assesses the contraction of the historic range of the taxon, and (4) documents population dynamics to evaluate population viability. Based on evolutionary autonomy, reduced gene diversity, an extremely reduced range, and the potential instability of the current demographic trends, I suggest that this species be listed as endangered pursuant to both the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts.