The Dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes) is a species of nocturnal rodent from North America. Woodrats are nicknamed "packrats" or "trade rats" because they tend to hoard things, build large domed dens, and "trade" by dropping then picking up another object for it.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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HerbivoreA herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material, for example, foliage, for the main component of its die...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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ScansorialScansorial animals are those that are adapted to or specialized for climbing. Many animals climb not only in tress but also in other habitats, such...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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Generally solitaryGenerally solitary animals are those animals that spend their time separately but will gather at foraging areas or sleep in the same location or sh...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withDusky-footed woodrats are similar in appearance to the common rat species but with larger ears and eyes, softer coats, and furred tails.
Dusky-footed woodrats are found in Mexico and the United States. They occur from Oregon into the northern part of Baja California. They are found along the Pacific coast, west of the deserts and Great Basin. Woodrats live near streams and in juniper and mixed coniferous forests. They prefer living in chaparral areas with dense ground cover because these areas offer a steady food supply and protection from predators, as well as an abundance of materials to build houses. In northeastern California, woodrats can inhabit lava rims and beds with enough vegetation cover.
Dusky-footed woodrats are nocturnal. They are terrestrial animals but may also build satellite dens in trees. Outside of the breeding season, they are solitary but their dens are frequently found in clusters of up to several dozen, forming rough "communities". Dens contain a nest and one or more "pantry" chambers which are used to store leaves and nuts for future consumption. Dusky-footed woodrats have many predators. If a predator attacks a woodrat's nest, the woodrat may take shelter in another nearby nest. Dusky-footed woodrats create a rattling sound by shaking their tails on the ground, all to alert each other of nearby predators and give a warning sign to predators themselves. The tail too can be used to initiate a fight with another woodrat.
Dusky-footed woodrats are herbivorous animals. Their main diet consists of cuttings from branches, inner bark, fungi, leaves, seeds, greens, fruits, and nuts. However, they may also eat insects, especially mealworms and crickets if offered.
The mating system in this species appears to be variable, with promiscuity most generally at high population densities and monogamy at lower densities. Woodrats build extensive nests in trees, on the ground, and on bluffs with dense vegetation or rock cover. The conical-shaped nests are made of sticks, bark, and various plant matter. One nest can house successive generations of woodrats, with offspring adding to nests making them larger. The nests can have many rooms used for food storage, resting, nurseries, and protection. After the gestation period of 30-37 days, the female gives birth to 2 or 3 young. They usually remain dependent on their mother for about 3 weeks.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Dusky-footed woodrat total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
