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It's a RAT! An endangered riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian woodrat! These cute chubby cheeks haven't been seen since 2017. While surveying riparian brush rabbits at San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge in California's Central Valley, Refuge biologists joined our partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oakland Zoo, River Partners and CSU Stanislaus' Endangered Species Recovery Program (ESRP) to find two riparian woodrats caught in their live traps. Both a male and a female were found.
“Finding an endangered species that had not been seen in over seven years was such a thrilling moment and these two woodrats were the last thing we expected to find. Coming across not one but two healthy adults felt like finding the last of the unicorns!” said Jaime Rudd, director of ESRP.
There are only two known populations of riparian woodrats – one at Caswell Memorial State Park and the other at the Refuge. The Caswell population has not been documented since 2012.
After the first two woodrats, three more were caught that week.
"We certainly had some fears about the status of both populations, making it all the more exciting that we can confirm that at least these individuals, and hopefully more, are on the Refuge" said Summer Howland, a recovery biologist with Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office.
The Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office will be funding camera trap surveys for the woodrat at both sites this fall.
“This finding demonstrates just how resilient nature can be and highlights the importance of habitat restoration," said Rudd. "It’s also a reminder that through careful planning, collaboration, and hard work, we can bring back even the most elusive treasures of this special ecosystem. Truly a wonderful day!”
