Previously thought to be extinct, a small but mighty species of mouse has been rediscovered by scientists surveying Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. 

A team of researchers surveying Mount Pinatubo recently discovered a species of volcano mouse (Apomys sacobianus), previously thought to have been extinct. In 1991, an eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines’ Luzon Volcanic Arc was the largest volcanic eruption of the 20^th century. Dormant for nearly 500 years prior to the eruption, Mt. Pinatubo was populated by old-growth forest that supported all kinds of life. However, the eruption resulted in the destruction of nearly all habitat on the island of Luzon, leaving scientists skeptical about the survival of native mammal fauna, including the volcano mouse.  

The volcano mouse is endemic to Mt. Pinatubo, leading scientists believed the species of mice to be extinct after’s its sole habitat was destroyed. This belief was largely based on scientific evidence that indicates rare mammals as highly susceptible to extinction following significant ecological disturbance. However, findings recently published in the Philippine Journal of Science found that the volcano mouse, in addition to several other species, were able to survive the eruption. Eric Rickart, lead author and curator of vertebrates at the Natural History Museum in Utah, says the volcano mouse is thriving contrary to all expectations. 

The Mount Pinatubo mouse is pretty unique in that it apparently is very highly adapted to disturbance and is thriving in the area, doing very, very well … that’s really contrary to everything we would expect from an animal that is — the term is endemic — restricted to a very small area, particularly on an island, a tropical island,” says Eric Rickart

Islands are ecologically unique and sensitive to disturbance due to their extreme isolation from other ecosystems. In many cases, disturbance such as a large volcanic eruption could result in the extinction of many species including the volcano mouse. This is especially true of islands where other factors are at play, already threatening native wildlife and leaving endemic or rare animals on the brink of extinction. By keeping island wildlife populations healthy, conservationists hope to increase the natural resiliency of native wildlife, ensuring species just like this Volcano mouse continue to thrive. 

Featured Photo: View of the Lake Taal & Volcano, Philippines. Ray in Manila

Source: CBC Radio