Itty-bitty California mouse wins Guinness longevity award

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A tiny California mouse now has an enormous title after successful a Guinness World file for longevity.

A Pacific pocket mouse named Pat — after “Star Trek” actor Patrick Stewart — acquired the Guinness approval Wednesday because the oldest residing mouse in human care on 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 San Diego Zoo Safari Park on July 14, 2013, below a conservation breeding program, the alliance stated.

The Pacific pocket mouse, which weighs as a lot as three pennies, is the smallest mouse species in North America and will get its identify from cheek pouches the animals use to hold meals and nesting supplies, the wildlife alliance stated.

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 stated.

The mouse was considered extinct for 20 years till tiny, remoted populations had been rediscovered in 1994 in Dana Level in Orange County however the species stays endangered, the alliance stated.

In 2012, the alliance started a breeding program to assist save the mouse from extinction. Final 12 months, the alliance recorded 117 pups born in a file 31 litters. Lots of the mice will likely be reintroduced to the wild this spring, the alliance stated.

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 stated.

Although it doesn’t obtain the publicity of bigger and extra charismatic species, the Pacific pocket mouse is essential to its ecosystem as a result of the mice disperse the seeds of native crops and their digging encourages plant development, the alliance stated.

“This recognition is so particular for our group, and is important for the species,” stated Debra Shier, who established and oversees the conservation program. “It’s indicative of the dedication and unimaginable care we as a corporation present for every species, from the biggest to the very smallest.”