Mammals
European Hamster
Cricetus cricetus · also called common hamster, black-bellied hamster
Standing upright at the edge of a wheat field, a European hamster shows its black belly and bold patches of white and reddish-brown, a once-common farmland rodent now teetering on the edge of disappearing.
Overview
The European hamster, Cricetus cricetus, is a Critically Endangered rodent found on farmland and grassland from western Europe into western Asia. Its black belly, large size, winter hoards, and steep decline make it one of the most striking and most threatened rodents in Europe.
A crop pest turned conservation case
Once considered a pest because of its taste for grain, the European hamster has collapsed as modern farming strips away the crops and cover it needs.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a population declining rapidly because of intensive agriculture and habitat loss.
European Hamster: common questions
Why does the European hamster have a black belly?
Its black underside is unusual among mammals, which are mostly lighter below, and forms part of the bold pattern of reddish-brown back, white patches, and black belly.
How big is a European hamster?
It reaches around 20 to 30 cm in length, much larger than the pet hamsters people usually keep.
Why is the European hamster Critically Endangered?
Intensive farming has removed the food and cover it needs, and the species has declined rapidly across much of its range.
Does the European hamster hibernate?
Yes, it spends the cold months in its burrow, waking at intervals to feed on the food it has stored.