Black-bellied Hamster

About the Black-bellied Hamster

The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus), also known as the common hamster, is the only living species of hamster in the genus Cricetus. It is native to grassland and similar habitats in a large part of Eurasia, extending from Belgium to Xinjiang in China. Historically, it was considered a farmland pest and had been trapped for its fur. Its population has declined drastically in recent years and is now considered critically endangered. The main threats to the species are thought to be intensive agriculture, habitat destruction, and persecution by farmers.

The European hamster is the largest living hamster, reaching up to 20 to 30 centimetres (7.9 to 11.8 in) in length, with a relatively short tail around 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long, with a body mass typically around 200 to 650 grams (7.1 to 22.9 oz), though exceptionally body masses of over 1 kg (2.2 lb) have been recorded. Males are generally somewhat larger and heavier than females. The colour of the body fur varies from being black on the belly, brown on the back, as well as white and cream on the nose, paws, cheeks, neck, and behind the forelimbs, with some rare colour variation being known. The fur is moulted once... Wikipedia →