FIELD HAMSTER
DESCRIPTION
The Field Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is a small rodent native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is characterized by its robust body, short tail, and large cheek pouches used for storing food.
FUN FACTS
- Field Hamsters can store food in their cheek pouches for later use | They are known to dig extensive burrow systems | Their population has significantly declined in recent decades due to habitat loss
QUICK INFO
Lifespan2-3 years in the wild, up to 5 years in captivity
Average Weight200-400 g
Average Length20-30 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically live alone except during mating
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Field Hamsters inhabit agricultural fields, grasslands, and open areas with sufficient vegetation. They create extensive burrow systems for shelter and food storage.
- Biomes
- Temperate Grassland, Agricultural Land
- Native Range
- Central and Eastern Europe, extending into parts of Asia.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Germany, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia
- Diet
- Field Hamsters primarily feed on seeds, grains, and various plant materials. They are known to hoard food in their burrows for later consumption.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- seeds, grains
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically live alone except during mating
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
200-400 g
Weight
20-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brownish-yellow fur with a lighter underbelly
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years in the wild, up to 5 years in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 21-25 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-10
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 months
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is declining in many areas due to habitat loss and agricultural practices.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and pesticide use. Additionally, they face predation from various animals.
- Predators
- foxes, birds of prey, domestic cats
- Defense Mechanisms
- Field Hamsters rely on their burrows for protection and can quickly retreat underground when threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare