The environmental changes, excessive pollution, global warming has been taking a toll on humans but more on the animal species. There have been a countless number of species that are or already facing extinction. Among the many was the Kangaroo rat, which was last spotted in 1986. It was feared the species is extinct, but 32 years later, the small rodent has made a reappearance in some of Mexico's scrublands.

The Kangaroo rat also called the San Quintin kangaroo rat are called so because of their ability to leap like kangaroos. They were usually inhabitants in the arid areas of North America. They are about 12 cms long with a long, tufted tail and enormous hind legs that allow it to leap about 2 meters and speed away at 10 kilometers per hour. Thousands of them used to live together in the valleys stretching across the Pacific Coast. But with the rise of agriculture and use of pesticides, their numbers began to fall. The food and nuts for these rodents began to disappear, causing in their own disappearance. But now scientists are delighted to have found the species again after almost 3 decades.

Take a look at the post showing the rediscovered kangaroo rats:

Not one but four of these small rodents were caught in the survey traps kept alongside Baja California. Jorge Andrade, adaptive manager co-ordinator working with San Diego Natural History Museum for a conservation plan, said: “You can’t imagine how happy we are to find out that after all these efforts and with the help of The Nat we can be part of this rediscovery and continue working on its protection. It’s very gratifying for us to think that the San Quintin kangaroo rat persists in the area to some extent, thanks to the efforts of the staff, board members, and associated researchers of our organisation.”

The researchers are saying the rats could have made a comeback as the farming here has been taken a backseat due to lack of water bodies. Kangaroo rats are adapted to living in low water areas. They use very less water for their survival. This resurfacing of the species is a cause of delight to the scientists and definite measures would be taken to find and protect more of this species.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 01, 2018 12:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).