Here's why:
* They are critically endangered: This means their population is incredibly small and facing a very high risk of extinction.
* Limited data: Accurate population counts for rare species are hard to obtain. They live in specific, often remote locations, and tracking them can be challenging.
* Ongoing threats: Habitat loss, predation, and competition with introduced species continue to threaten their survival.
However, we do know:
* Their numbers are extremely low: Estimates put the population in the hundreds, possibly even fewer.
* They are concentrated in a few locations: They are primarily found in a small area of the San Joaquin Valley in California.
What's being done?
* Conservation efforts are underway: Organizations like the US Fish and Wildlife Service are working to protect their habitat and manage their population.
* Research is ongoing: Scientists are studying the giant kangaroo rat to better understand their needs and how to help them survive.
While there is no definitive answer to how many giant kangaroo rats are left, it's clear they are in a critical state and require significant protection to ensure their survival.