2 billion - wow. Makes you wonder how they were able to “coexist” in that area prior to the flooding.
Was there really enough sustenance in the lake region islands to support that many mice?
The link on comment #10 will shock you.
Not sure, it is a pretty good sized area..
Dongting Lake
http://www.chinaetravel.com/attraction/att15f.html
Dongting Lake covers an area of 2,820 sq km and is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in China. Located in the mid reaches of the Yangzi River, the lake extends between Hunan and Hubei provinces. Fringed with reeds and lotus ponds, the magical lake is known as the setting of many traditional fairy tales and legends.
On the banks of the lake are many villages with paddy fields and cane fields. But the main livelihood for many villagers is still fishing. The graceful Yueyang Tower is also found on the eastern banks of the lake.
There are several islands on the lake, the most famous being Junshan Island, known for its silver needle tea.