Mammals
Djungarian Hamster
Phodopus sungorus · also called Siberian hamster, Russian winter white dwarf hamster
As autumn days shorten across the Central Asian steppe, a Djungarian hamster no bigger than a plum grows a thicker, paler coat, a small animal tuning its body to the length of the day.
Overview
The Djungarian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, is a Least Concern dwarf hamster native to the steppe and semi-desert of Kazakhstan and southwestern Siberia. Its seasonal coat change, winter weight loss, and use of torpor make it one of the best-studied small mammals for how animals respond to the changing seasons.
A hamster that follows the daylight
The Djungarian hamster takes its cue from day length, not temperature, preparing its coat and body for winter before the worst of the cold arrives.
Status
Least Concern, not considered at risk in its natural range.
Djungarian Hamster: common questions
Does the Djungarian hamster turn white in winter?
Its coat can grow thicker and paler as the days shorten, and in some animals it turns almost white, a change triggered by day length rather than by cold alone.
Why is it also called the Siberian hamster?
The Djungarian hamster is native to the steppe of Kazakhstan and southwestern Siberia, which gave rise to the alternative name.
How does the Djungarian hamster survive the winter?
It grows a thicker coat, can lose body weight to cut its food needs, and can lower its body temperature in short bouts of torpor.
Where is the Djungarian hamster found?
It is native to steppe and semi-desert habitat in parts of Kazakhstan and southwestern Siberia.