Common hamster also found on agricultural land and river banks. Through little bolt-holes and tunnels they reach sleeping spots furnished with grass upholstery and larders lined up to the ceiling with food. This can be for a number of different reasons, including a lack of weight resulting from a shortage of food during the previous summer and autumn; the depth of the burrow, which may not offer sufficient insulation if it is too shallow; harsh winter weather, or even a mild winter, placing them at risk of starvation if they use their food stores prematurely. The IUCN said hamster has vanished from three-quarters of its original habitat in Alsace, France, at least a third of its range in Germany, and three-quarters of its habitat in Eastern Europe. European hamsters are native to a large range in Eurasia. Roborovski Dwarf hamsters are … The IUCN says that in the 20th Century, a female hamster would give birth to an average of 20 baby hamsters a year, but this has dropped to only five or six a year. The hamster does not even forget to equip its burrow with a toilet as it hates bad smells in its home. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here, .css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link{color:inherit;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{color:#696969;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:focus,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:focus{color:#B80000;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link::after,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited::after{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;z-index:2;}Seven Worlds, One Planet: Meet the stars of the new David Attenborough series. .css-14iz86j-BoldText{font-weight:bold;}You might want to hold Mr Snuffles extra tight tonight, because European hamsters have been added to a list of critically endangered animals. A European hamster European hamsters are now critically endangered and could go extinct within 30 years without action to save them, conservationists have warned. It is typically found in low-lying farmland with soft loam or loess soils, although it may also inhabit meadows, gardens or hedges. The Robo hamster lives in a similar territory to the Siberian hamster, although this hamster’s territory extends into parts of northern China as well. The species is called the Cricetus cricetus; The smallest hamster is the tiny dwarf which can be as small as 2 inches long although some reach 4 inches (5.5 to 10.5cm). In terms of feeding, they can be offered the same foods as Syrian hamsters. The European Hamster is listed as 'Vulnerable'. In some areas, these fluctuations are one of the reasons that hamsters burrow underground … Hamsters belong to a subfamily known as Cricetinae; The largest breed of hamster is a European breed that can measure up to 13.4 inches long (34cm). 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I have been involved with studying this species for a number of years and was fortunate enough to be able to keep and breed European hamsters during the 1980s. The European hamster does have an evident tail. The common hamster is a nocturnal or crepuscular species. It is not entirely doom and gloom, however, as far as this species is concerned. iPlayerUnited by love, divided by class. European hamsters are a much larger relative of Syrian or dwarf hamsters that are kept widely as pets. It is worth reiterating that the European hamster is a species really only suited to the very experienced and dedicated breeder. They are found from Belgium and Alsace (eastern France) in the west, to Russia in the east, and Bulgaria in the south. Tanks are preferable to any other quarters, because European hamsters have very powerful teeth, and are adept at chewing their way out, being able to gnaw through wood, metal and even concrete! She has cared for a number of dogs, cats and other furry pets since a young age. It eats seeds, legumes, root vegetables, grasses and insects. Concern over case rises in London, Essex and Kent. The only member of its genus, this large rodent may measure up to 35cm (14in) long, and can weigh an impressive 500g (18oz). It lives in a complex burrow system. The dwarf hamster lives up to its name. In spite of the interest that these European hamsters could generate in my view, given an imaginatively designed enclosure, the species is not currently represented in any UK public collection. This is mainly due to deforestation, although some species are also threatened by hunting. In spite of its size, this species has the unmistakable appearance of a hamster. Throughout the summer months, European hamsters will spend time collecting and hoarding food, which is stored underground in their burrow. iPlayer, Louis Theroux is on patrol in District 5. iPlayer, Throw the door open and step inside... iPlayer, United by love, divided by class. They carry food – even potatoes – back to their burrows in their cheek pouches, and will feed on these stores through the winter. You might remember the European hamster from their appearance in an episode of David Attenborough's Seven Worlds series in 2019. This ensures that the species is strictly protected, and it is illegal to deliberately kill, capture or disturb them, especially during the breeding season. They are expensive to purchase in the first instance, selling for as much as £300 ($325) a pair, and should these hamsters be imported from Europe, they must be accompanied by documentation stating their place of origin. 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