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Pat, who weighs about as a lot as three pennies, belongs to a species as soon as considered extinct.
SAN DIEGO — A tiny California mouse now has a giant title after successful a Guinness World file for longevity.
A Pacific pocket mouse named Pat — after “Star Trek” actor Patrick Stewart — received the Guinness approval Wednesday as the oldest living mouse in human care at the ripe age of 9 years and 209 days, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance introduced after a certification ceremony.
Pat was born on the on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on July 14, 2013, below a conservation breeding program, the alliance mentioned.
The Pacific pocket mouse, which weighs as a lot as three pennies, is the smallest mouse species in North America and gets its title from cheek pouches the animals use to hold meals and nesting supplies, the wildlife alliance mentioned.
The mouse as soon as had a spread stretching from Los Angeles south to the Tijuana River Valley however the inhabitants plunged after 1932 due to human encroachment and habitat destruction, the alliance mentioned.
The mouse was considered extinct for 20 years till tiny, remoted populations had been rediscovered in 1994 in Dana Point in Orange County however the species stays endangered, the alliance mentioned.
In 2012, the alliance started a breeding program to assist save the mouse from extinction. Last 12 months, the alliance recorded 117 pups born in a file 31 litters. Many of the mice will probably be reintroduced to the wild this spring, the alliance mentioned.
A brand new inhabitants of Pacific pocket mice was established in Orange County’s Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the mice started breeding with out human help in 2017, the alliance mentioned.
Though it would not obtain the publicity of bigger and extra charismatic species, the Pacific pocket mouse is vital to its ecosystem as a result of the mice disperse the seeds of native vegetation and their digging encourages plant progress, the alliance mentioned.
“This recognition is so special for our team, and is significant for the species,” mentioned Debra Shier, who established and oversees the conservation program. “It’s indicative of the dedication and incredible care we as an organization provide for each species, from the largest to the very smallest.”
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