OTHER NAMES: Eurasian Hamster, Black Bellied Hamster, Common Hamster
Latin Etymology: Cricetus ("Hamster") cricetus ("Hamster")
Adult European Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) at Miedling Cemetary, Vienna, Austria - October 2024
Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 220-460g / Length: 20-35cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The largest species of Hamster in the world, and significantly larger than domesticated species, the European Hamster is a grassland specialist that is considered critically endangered due to persecution and the dramatic decline in grassland habitats due to farming. Like domestic species, they store food in their rather substantial cheeks to take it to their burrows. In recent decades some of their strongholds have ended up being cemetaries where they are able to forage without being disturbed by farming practices.
Related Species:
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Genus: Cricetus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic
- Sighting Locations -
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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