The animal commonly associated with the Mojave Desert is the kangaroo rat.

The kangaroo rat is a small rodent that is famously associated with the Mojave Desert. Known for its large, powerful hind legs, it moves by hopping, similar to a kangaroo. This nocturnal animal is perfectly adapted to the desert's arid conditions, where water is scarce. The kangaroo rat has specialized kidneys that allow it to conserve water and survive without drinking much. It forages at night for seeds and plants, making it well-suited to the Mojave Desert’s extreme environment, where daytime temperatures are extreme, and water sources are minimal.