The decline of lions and pandas often captures global attention, but a quieter and potentially more damaging crisis is unfolding among small mammals. Small mammals are powerful indicators of environmental health, yet tracking them has long been a challenge because many species occupy different ecological roles while looking almost exactly alike. Why Small Mammals MatterDespite their size, small mammals play essential roles in ecosystems and respond quickly to environmental change. Although they appear nearly identical, they live in different habitats and face different environmental pressures. "Small mammals exist in almost every ecosystem on the planet, and our tech is flexible enough to adapt to every one," said Jewell.