For years, scientists thought that the Pacific pocket mouse went extinct in the 1980s. But as it turns out, there were still a few of them left in Southern California. 

In an effort to increase population numbers, scientists have just released them into Laguna park.

On of those researchers is Debra Shier, she's an Associate Director of Applied Ecology at San Diego Zoo Global. Here she is talking about the little guy.

And as she explained to us,  this tiny mouse can have a big impact on the local environment. And she began our conversation by describing the Pacific Pocket Mouse. 

(click on the blue arrow above to hear the interview)