![]() ![]() ![]() This discovery suggests that we may have generally underestimated the altitudinal range limits and physiological tolerances of small mammals simply because the world's high summits remain relatively unexplored by biologists. This summit specimen represents an altitudinal world record for mammals, far surpassing all specimen-based records from the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. Among numerous trapping records at altitudes of >5,000 m, we captured a specimen of the yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis xanthopygus rupestris) on. The first peer-reviewed reports of the discovery of the highest elevation vertebrate (Phyllotis xanthopygus, the yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse) has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Among numerous trapping records at altitudes of >5,000 m, we captured a specimen of the yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis xanthopygus rupestris) on the very summit of Llullaillaco at 6,739 m. Highest elevation vertebrate animal reported on Llullaillaco Volcano. Other common names: Patagonian Leaf-eared Mouse, Yellow-rumped Pericote. Here we report results of a scientific mountaineering expedition to survey the high-altitude rodent fauna of Volcán Llullaillaco in the Puna de Atacama of northern Chile, an effort motivated by video documentation of mice (genus Phyllotis) at a record altitude of 6,205 m. French: Phyllotis a croupe jaune / German: Gelbsteil3-Blattohrmaus / Spanish: Raton orejudo de trasero dorado. This mouse, unlike pikas, is not a high-altitude specialist. Environmental limits of animal life are invariably revised when the animals themselves are investigated in their natural habitats. The 22,110-feet home of the yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse shatters that record.
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