The rock pocket mouse plays a crucial role in the desert food web primarily as a granivorous prey species. It feeds mainly on plant seeds, collecting and storing them, which classifies it as a primary consumer in the ecosystem. By consuming seeds, it helps in seed dispersal and influences plant community dynamics in the desert

. Additionally, the rock pocket mouse serves as an important food source for a variety of desert predators, including owls, hawks, foxes, snakes, bobcats, and other carnivores. This places the mouse as a key prey item, linking the primary producers (plants) to higher trophic levels in the desert food web

. In summary, the rock pocket mouse acts as a seed-eating primary consumer and a vital prey species, supporting predator populations and contributing to the energy flow and stability of the desert ecosystem. Its adaptations, such as nocturnality and camouflage, help it survive predation and environmental challenges, further emphasizing its ecological role