off by cattle and rodents.]

[Illustration: PLATE IV. FIG. 2.--RANGE CONDITIONS LESS FAVORABLE TO
KANGAROO RATS.

View on lower portion of Range Reserve, where _Dipodomys s. spectabilis_
is less abundant. Vegetation consists principally of _Lycium_, mesquite,
rabbit brush, and cactus, there being very little grass.]




HABITS.


EVIDENCE OF PRESENCE.


MOUNDS.

One traveling over territory thickly occupied by the banner-tailed
kangaroo rat is certain to note the numerous and conspicuous mounds so
characteristic of the species, particularly if the region is of the
savannah type, grassy rather than brushy. These low, rounded mounds
occupy an area of several feet in diameter, and rise to varying heights
above the general surface of the surrounding soil, the height depending
rather more upon the character of the soil and the location of the mound
as to exposure or protection than upon the area occupied by the burrow
system which lies within and is the reason for the mound.