Ord's kangaroo rat

Ord's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) is a rodent belonging to the order Rodentia and the family Heteromyidae. This nocturnal animal is well-adapted to arid environments, possessing powerful hind legs for jumping and cheek pouches used for transporting seeds and grain stores back to their burrows.

In agronomy, this species is recognized as a potential pest of agricultural fields, particularly in areas characterized by sandy soils adjacent to natural shrublands. They pose a significant threat to row crops, especially during the sowing stage when they actively excavate buried seeds.

The biology of this species is centered around caching behavior. Populations can grow rapidly under favorable environmental conditions, leading to localized outbreaks. Being primarily nocturnal, their activity is often overlooked until significant damage to the emergence of crops becomes apparent in the field.

The economic damage caused by Dipodomys ordii includes direct loss of seed yield, reduced crop stands, and damage to emerging plant tissues. In some cases, their extensive burrowing systems can cause structural damage to irrigation infrastructure and uneven soil surface conditions.

Management and control strategies include the following approaches:

• Regular monitoring of burrow density and activity patterns in field margins.
• Strategic application of registered rodenticides in compliance with local regulations.
• Implementation of physical barriers or noise-based deterrents during the germination phase.
• Landscape management to reduce cover and habitat suitability near cultivated areas.