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Mesocricetus
ExploreMammals
Mesocricetus
Mesocricetus
The Mesocricetus, also known as the golden hamster, is a small, furry pet that loves to run and play. They have cute little cheeks that can store food, making them fun to watch!
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Mesocricetus is a stocky rodent with a short tail, typically adorned with rich golden-brown fur on its back and white underparts. Its small, dark eyes and prominent cheek pouches make it distinctly recognizable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCricetidaeGenusMesocricetus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A mother hamster can give birth every three weeks!
Hamsters have terrible eyesight, relying on whiskers and smell.
Their teeth never stop growing, so they chew constantly!
Wild golden hamsters were once thought to be extinct!
Special abilities
Ability
Master Burrower
Mesocricetus can dig complex burrows with multiple chambers, providing safe shelter from predators and harsh weather.
Ability
Scent Mapper
Mesocricetus uses hip scent glands to mark territory, helping it navigate and find its way home.
Ability
Energy Saver
Mesocricetus can enter a state of torpor, conserving energy by slowing its heart rate during cold periods.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-18 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Top Speed
- 7 km/h
- Litter Size
- 4-12
- Gestation
- 16-18 days
Diet & Feeding
A tiny omnivore munching on seeds, grains, fruits, and even insects.
Primary Foods
- Seeds
- Grains
- Fruits
- Roots
- Insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes are common predators, digging into burrows for hamsters.
eaten by
Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo
Buzzards snatch hamsters from above, especially at dawn or dusk.
eats
Common Wheat
Triticum aestivum
Hamsters collect and store wheat seeds, a primary food source.
eats
African Field Cricket
Gryllus bimaculatus
Hamsters supplement their diet by hunting small insects like crickets.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Domesticated
Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Golden HamsterSyrian Hamster
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after playing with a hamster and be gentle when holding them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mesocricetus?
12-18 cm
How much does Mesocricetus weigh?
0.1-0.2 kg
How long does Mesocricetus live?
2-3 years
How fast can Mesocricetus move?
7 km/h
What does Mesocricetus eat?
A tiny omnivore munching on seeds, grains, fruits, and even insects.
Where is Mesocricetus usually found?
Desert
How does Mesocricetus hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Mesocricetus usually have?
4-12
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