Scientists rediscover adorable rare volcano mouse thought to be extinct The mouse species survived a devastating volcano eruption in the Philippines. Listen - 01:54 Enlarge Image This is the cute little critter rediscovered on the Pinatubo volcano on the Philippine Island of Luzon. Danny Balete/Field Museum Good news: A tiny mouse thought to be extinct has been found again, and it's thriving. Mount Pinatubo on the island Luzon in the Philippines erupted violently in 1991, killing hundreds and destroying the landscape around it. Later expeditions to study the wildlife in the area turned up the surprising survival of a diverse group of fauna, including bats and a very rare volcano-dwelling mouse.