The narrow-faced kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus) is a highly understudied Heteromyid species endemic to the central coast of California, with three currently recognized subspecies. All three subspecies are on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife special animal list and the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (D. v. venustus) is considered critically imperiled - though this designation offers no formal protection. It is likely that the narrow-faced kangaroo rat has engineering/keystone effects via scatter hording seed caching, and the creation of complex burrow systems. Before management action can be taken, more information is needed on population trends, habitats associations, and sub-species taxonomic status. Using genetics to inform species and subspecies ID, we created a range-wide Maxent Habitat Suitability model. We then created a habitat Suitability Model for each confirmed subspecies and compared any differences caused by local adaptation. The results of this study will help managers make informed decisions on the population (and endangerment) status of each subspecies and provide updated tools and methods for the conservation of the species.