Habitat: Rock canyons and open grasslands; generally occurs in more xeric regions, including Piñon-Juniper Mesas, Shortgrass High Plains, Mixed-grass Plains, and Mesquite-Grass Plains.
Habits: The Southern Plains Woodrat constructs a "stick nest" or "stick house" made of various materials including sticks, bones, cactus joints (Opuntia), and cattle droppings. A burrow system usually is located below the structure. Toilet areas or “middens” are placed near the nest. The breeding season occurs from January to May and during the fall months. Females have up to three litters per year with an average of three young per litter. These rats are vegetarians but also eat some invertebrates. These animals sometimes drum the ground with their hind feet. This animal often is known as the pack rat due to its habit of collecting various items, including man-made articles.
|
