The long-tailed hopping mouse was a common rodent found in the dry, arid areas of Australia. No one knows exactly what caused the steep decline in their population. There were many factors such as clearing land for sheep grazing and farms. The long-tailed hopping mouse also had to compete against invasive species like the "gray blanket" aka the escalated rabbit population. The introduction of the red fox in the 1870's for recreational hunting and feral cats also took their toll on this small raisin-loving rodent. The last living long-tailed hopping mouse was kept in captivity until it died in 1901. In 1977, it is believed that a skeleton of the long-tailed hopping mouse was found in an owl pellet. This was not enough evidence to declare the long-tailed hopping mouse de-extinct. Could the long-tailed hopping mouse live in Australia today? Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. In fact, in 2003 scientists did bring back the extinct Pyrenean ibex, a type of wild goat, for 7 minutes before it died, showing de-extinction is possible. The long-tailed hopping mouse could be a good candidate. Scientists would use the DNA found in various museum specimens. Australia has made many strides in restoring natural habitats, eliminating invasive species, and helping struggling species recover since the extinction of this hopping mouse in 1901. If the long-tailed hopping mouse was brought to life, could it ever be reintroduced to its native homeland in Australia?