Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami). It is distributed in deserts and shrublands from the southwestern United States to northwestern Mexico and has a high tolerance for arid conditions. It moves by hopping with characteristically long hind legs and a long tail; hair on the hind feet and soles aids movement on sandy ground. It primarily stores seeds in cheek pouches and carries them back to its burrow, is nocturnal and limits activity periods to avoid desiccation. Breeding is centered from February to May and it may produce multiple litters per year. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.