With fewer than 3,000 Pookila mice left in the wild in Victoria, scientists are pairing genetically diverse animals together in the hope of turning the endangered rodents' fortunes around.
"They are one of about 67 different native species of mice and rats that we have in Australia but 15 of those species have already gone extinct," she said.Land clearing, fire and introduced predators including foxes and cats have had an impact on the species' numbers.
Zoos Victoria is working with Moonlit Sanctuary, Parks Victoria and other organisations to save the species.Dr Burns and the team recently collected 22 Pookila mice from the wild for the captive breeding program.
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