If he destroys the rodents, he may remove the checks on certain noxious
plants or insects. One control measure often necessitates the adoption
of another.

This is not to argue against control measures, for if our harmful
species were not controlled, agriculture in many sections would be
impossible. Control measures, however, should be scientifically founded
and applied. The indiscriminate slaughter of supposedly harmful species
of birds and mammals in the guise of benefiting agriculture may do far
more harm than good. Many of the species which do some harm do far more
good. The exact status of each suspected species should be carefully
determined through an adequate scientific investigation. If the species
is condemned, sound control measures should be thoroughly applied.

In grazing districts or in areas devoted to intensive agriculture the
death sentence should probably be passed on the banner-tailed kangaroo
rat. It should be recalled, however, that this is the largest and one of
the handsomest of all its family, and that it is one of the most
characteristic and interesting of all the desert fauna; where extensive
grazing or agricultural operations are not undertaken, therefore, we
feel that the kangaroo rat should be let alone, unless its presence
threatens infestation of valuable agricultural or grazing lands.




SUMMARY.


(1) Kangaroo rats may be separated with ease from all other mammals; the