A mission is underway for nine Pacific pocket mice to help their endangered species. A genetic rescue mission, that is. Pacific pocket mice are the smallest mice in North America, measuring the size of a human thumb and weighing about as much as three pennies. They’re endemic to Southern California and are crucial to the local ecosystem.
The nine Pacific pocket mice were reintroduced to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as part of our collaborative conservation program.
The nine mice were introduced to an existing population of Pacific pocket mice at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. They’ll help boost genetic diversity and increase resilience, ultimately strengthening the population’s chances of long-term survival. Once thought to be extinct, there is renewed hope for this remarkable species thanks to collaborative conservation efforts by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and our partners over the last 20 years.
Fittingly, the nine super tiny superheroes have names to match: Whiskerine, Aqclawman, Conan the Burrowbarian, Pocket Raccoon, Professfur X, Endangered Avenger, Green Lantail, Doctor Squeak, and IncrediBelle.
Stay tuned for more about the 20th anniversary of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Pacific pocket mouse conservation program. Wildlife allies like you are making a difference for endangered species, including these tiny but mighty mice, through our Southwest Conservation Hub and around the globe.
