Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 11 hrs ago
Endangered Pacific pocket mice establish a third reintroduced population
Pacific pocket mice, the smallest mammals in North America, are endangered and live in coastal areas of Southern California.
They were believed to be extinct until a small population was found in Orange County before 1993.
In spring, conservation partners provided 50 mice to establish a new population at North San Mateo, a training area at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Reproduction has already been documented there, and two other reintroduced populations are also reproducing.
The mice dig burrows that help soil and provide shelter for other species, so their return can benefit coastal ecosystems.
Habitat loss and fragmentation remain major threats, and recovery also depends on protecting habitat and maintaining genetic diversity.
Conservationists are beginning to let established populations spread beyond fenced release areas, which may help them withstand heavy winter rains.
Pacific pocket mice have established a third reintroduced population at North San Mateo, a training area at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners provided 50 mice to the USGS this spring.
Reproduction has already been documented at the new population site.
The two other reintroduced populations, at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Camp Pendleton, are also reproducing.
Habitat loss and fragmentation remain major threats to the endangered subspecies.
- Who
- Pacific pocket mice, with the reintroduction led by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners.
- What
- A third reintroduced population was established, and reproduction has been documented.
- When
- The mice were provided this spring; the year is not stated in the article.
- Where
- North San Mateo, a training area within Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
- Why
- To support the recovery of the endangered subspecies and restore its ecological functions in coastal ecosystems.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pacific pocket mice were believed to be extinct.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance began its Pacific Pocket Mouse Conservation Program.
The alliance provided 50 mice to the USGS to establish a third reintroduced population at North San Mateo.
Reproduction was documented at the North San Mateo population.
- New population
- North San Mateo, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
- Mice provided
- 50
- Other reintroduced sites
- Water Tank in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park; Wire Mountain at Camp Pendleton
- Conservation program began
- 2006
- Wild releases
- More than 500 mice since the program began
What people are saying
This spring, we provided 50 mice to USGS [United States Geographical Survey] to establish a third reintroduced population at North San Mateo, and we’re very encouraged that reproduction has already been documented there.
So, recovery isn’t simply about breeding more mice.
Sources
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