Distribution models provide a practical use case of linking ecological niche theory with species ’ occurrence and assemblages. The narrow-faced kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus) is a highly understudied kangaroo rat species endemic to the central coast of California, with three subspecies currently recognized: The Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (D. v. venustus), the elephant-eared kangaroo rat (D. v. elephantinus), and the Santa Lucia kangaroo rat (D. v. sanctiluciae). All three subspecies are on California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “special animal list” and D. venustus venustus is considered critically imperiled – though this designation offers no formal protection. I evaluated the current distribution, habitat associations, and niche overlap for the narrow-faced kangaroo rat and each of its subspecies across their entire range. I created five ensemble ecological niche, two range-wide, and three subspecies models which helped reconcile unknowns in historical literature and provided a clearer picture of the distribution and niche for the species. The range-wide models predicted far less suitable habitat than previously assumed and a highly constrained niche. A large limiting factor in their niche was the strong relationship narrow-faced kangaroo rat presence has with manzanita at coarse spatial scales.