WRCOG takes on the Challenge to save the “SKR” The Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi; or SKR) is a nocturnal rodent that is unique to southwestern California. The species was listed as federally endangered in 1988 after half of the habitat it historically occupied was lost to residential, commercial, and agricultural development. While kangaroo rat populations have dwindled over the years, the species remains in portions of western Riverside County and parts of northern and central San Diego County. In 2015, Western Riverside Council of Governments took over the management of a habitat conservation plan to protect the Stephen Kangaroo Rat as a way to achieve governmental efficiencies and reduce costs. It working for WRCOG and the rats.
