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Grey dwarf hamster
Grey dwarf hamster
Grey dwarf hamster
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Grey dwarf hamster
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Subfamily: Cricetinae
Genus: Nothocricetulus
Lebedev et al., 2018[2]
Species:
N. migratorius
Binomial name
Nothocricetulus migratorius
(Pallas, 1773)
Synonyms

Mus migratorius Pallas, 1773
Cricetus migratorius (Pallas, 1773)
Cricetulus migratorius (Pallas, 1773)

The grey dwarf hamster, grey hamster or migratory hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. Its range extends from Eastern Europe through the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia to Mongolia and western China. The grey dwarf hamster has grey fur and a head-body length ranging from 85 to 120 mm (3.3 to 4.7 in). The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Originally thought to be part of the genus Cricetulus, it has recently been moved to its own genus, Nothocricetulus.[1][3]

Description

[edit]

The grey dwarf hamster has a head and body length of between 85 and 120 mm (3.3–4.7 in) and a well-furred tail about one third as long as this. It weighs between 31 and 58 g (1.1–2.0 oz).[4] Its dental formula is 1.0.0.31.0.3.3.[5] It is a sandy brownish-grey colour above with whitish underparts, the white hairs often having gray bases. The ears are large and the skull flattened with a narrow rostrum.[4]

Distribution

[edit]

The grey dwarf hamster is found in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia including Afghanistan, Armenia, Bulgaria, China, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Moldova, Mongolia, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. It has been recorded from Greece but has not been seen there since about 1970. It mostly lives above 1,000 m (3,300 ft) and in the Pamir Mountains has been recorded at altitudes of up to 4,300 m (14,100 ft). It originally inhabited dry grasslands, arid steppes and semi-deserts, but it has spread into cultivated land and gardens, and even sometimes into buildings. It avoids moist locations, dense woodland and forests and is most common in sparsely vegetated areas.[1]

Behaviour

[edit]

The grey dwarf hamster is active at dusk and at night. It digs a deep burrow complex that may extend 150 cm (59 in) beneath the surface of the ground and which includes side passages, several nesting areas and chambers to store food for use in winter. It forages for roots, the green parts of plants and seeds, and also eats insects. It does not hibernate, breeding taking place during the summer, with up to three litters being produced annually. Litter size is usually six or seven, but ranges from one to thirteen.[4]

Status

[edit]

The grey dwarf hamster has a very wide range and a large total population. In some areas such as the Balkans it is rare, but in others it is abundant, being more common than the house mouse (Mus musculus) in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The population trend is unknown, but no particular threats have been identified and it is present in many protected areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has therefore assessed this hamster's conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grey dwarf hamster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius), also known as the migratory hamster or Armenian hamster, is a small belonging to the , distinguished by its compact size and predominantly grey fur. Adults typically measure 85–150 mm in head-body length, with a of 19–39 mm, and weigh between 20–58 g, featuring dark grey-brown to sandy brownish-grey dorsal pelage and white or grey-white ventral fur. This nocturnal or crepuscular is adapted to arid environments and does not hibernate, instead digging extensive burrows up to 5 m deep for shelter and food storage. Native to a vast range spanning , the , , , , and , the grey dwarf hamster inhabits dry grasslands, steppes, semi-deserts, deserts, and alpine meadows up to 3,600 m , often in agricultural fields, rocky slopes, or outskirts. Its distribution includes rare occurrences in , such as in and , where populations are sparse and localized to open, steppe-like habitats with light grazing or thorny shrubs. While generally solitary, population densities can peak from to October in optimal conditions, reflecting its adaptability to seasonal resource availability across its broad Palearctic range. The species is omnivorous, foraging primarily for roots, shoots, seeds, small fruits, and green vegetation, supplemented by insects, snails, and occasionally small reptiles, amphibians, or other rodents; it stores up to 400–500 g of food in burrow chambers, with at least 37 plant species documented in its diet. Breeding occurs in summer with up to three litters per year, each containing 1–13 young (typically 6–7), following a gestation of 16–21 days; sexual maturity is reached around 50 days, and lifespan extends up to 2 years in the wild. Since the 1960s, it has also been used in laboratory research due to its susceptibility to certain viruses and carcinogens, as well as its cytogenetic similarities to other hamsters. Classified as Least Concern on the , the grey dwarf hamster faces no major global threats, though local populations in are vulnerable due to and low densities. Predators such as , foxes, and influence its , and it plays a role in within steppe ecosystems.

Taxonomy

Historical classification

The grey dwarf hamster was first described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1773 as Mus migratorius, based on specimens collected near the Ural River in what is now Kazakhstan. This initial classification placed it within the broad genus Mus, reflecting the limited taxonomic resolution for rodents at the time, where many small mammals were lumped into mouse-like categories without detailed morphological distinctions. Pallas noted its migratory habits and greyish fur, but the description lacked specifics on cranial or dental features that later proved diagnostic. Subsequent reclassifications shifted the species through several before its stabilization in Cricetulus. Early synonyms included Mus arenarius and Mus accedula (both attributed to Pallas, 1773 and 1779, respectively), as well as Glis migratorius and Glis arenarius, indicating a brief placement in the dormouse genus Glis during the late 18th and 19th centuries based on superficial resemblances in and body form. By 1917, Oldfield formally assigned it to the genus Cricetulus, which had been established by Alphonse Milne-Edwards in 1867 for the (C. griseus), recognizing shared cricetine traits such as cheek pouches through examination of cranial morphology and molar patterns. described several , including C. m. griseiventris and C. m. vernula, emphasizing variations in coloration and across populations. This placement was supported by morphological studies highlighting the species' intermediate between typical mice and larger hamsters, with a focus on dental occlusal surfaces and structure. Historical taxonomy featured ongoing debates regarding its distinction from other Cricetulus species, particularly the (C. griseus). Early 20th-century researchers, such as Kashkarov in 1923, proposed like C. m. griseus, suggesting close affinity due to similarities in body proportions and habitat preferences in arid regions; however, morphological analyses revealed key differences, including the grey dwarf hamster's larger body size (up to 140 mm head-body length versus 110 mm in C. griseus), longer tail relative to body, and more robust with pronounced auditory bullae. These distinctions were reinforced by studies up to the mid-, such as those in Ellerman and Morrison-Scott's , which retained it in Cricetulus but noted morphological divergence in limb proportions and curvature that set it apart from C. griseus and other congeners like C. barabensis. Further genus shifts were proposed in pre-2018 morphological reviews, such as those examining cheek teeth enamel and postcranial skeleton, which highlighted its closer affinities to Cricetus and Allocricetulus than to core Cricetulus species, prompting suggestions for a separate genus based on these traits. Other historical synonyms, including Cricetulus atticus (Nehring, 1902) and Cricetulus fulvus (Blanford, 1875), arose from regional variations misinterpreted as distinct species, later synonymized through comparative . This evolving classification underscored the challenges of delineating taxa using morphology alone, with ongoing refinements through the .

Current taxonomy

The grey dwarf hamster is currently classified under the binomial name Nothocricetulus migratorius, reflecting its placement in the monotypic Nothocricetulus. This belongs to the Cricetinae and the , within the order Rodentia. The reclassification to the Nothocricetulus occurred in 2018, as proposed by Lebedev, Bannikova, , Ushakova, Ivanova, and Surov, based on comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analyses. These analyses utilized sequences from five nuclear genes (GHR, APOB, vWF, , and c-myc) and two mitochondrial genes (cytb and 12S rRNA), demonstrating that the grey dwarf hamster does not cluster with other dwarf hamsters in the traditional Cricetulus. Instead, it forms a well-supported to the comprising Cricetus and Allocricetulus, highlighting the of the former Cricetulus and necessitating the erection of a new . Phylogenetically, N. migratorius represents a distinct evolutionary lineage among , diverging early from other Cricetinae members and exhibiting unique genetic markers that distinguish it from typical dwarf hamsters. This positioning is corroborated by later genomic studies, including genotyping-by-sequencing approaches that affirm its separation and the stability of the 2018 taxonomic revision. The current consensus underscores Nothocricetulus as a valid, isolated within Cricetini, emphasizing the role of integrated molecular data in refining hamster .

Physical characteristics

Size and morphology

The grey dwarf hamster exhibits a compact body shape with short limbs, which facilitate burrowing activities. Its head-body length measures 85–120 mm, while the tail is approximately one-third as long, ranging from 28–40 mm. Adults weigh between 31 and 58 g, with males typically slightly larger than females. Morphologically, the species features large ears relative to its body size and a flattened skull with a narrow rostrum. It possesses large elastic cheek pouches for transporting food. The dental formula is 1.0.0.3/1.0.0.3, consisting of one pair of incisors, no canines or premolars, and three pairs of molars per jaw; the upper dentition is 1/1 incisors, 0/0 canines, 0/0 premolars, 3/3 molars, and the lower is 1/1 incisors, 0/0 canines, 0/0 premolars, 3/3 molars. These traits contribute to its adaptation as a small, agile rodent in arid and steppe environments.

Fur and coloration

The grey dwarf hamster exhibits dense, soft, and woolly , providing insulation suited to its arid and semi-arid habitats. Dorsally, the pelage is typically sandy brownish-grey to dark gray-brown. The ventral fur contrasts sharply with white or pale grey tones, forming a clear lateral demarcation that enhances the animal's inconspicuous profile against sandy substrates. The short tail, measuring 28–40 mm, is well-furred with a similar woolly texture to the body. The feet are lightly furred, supporting the hamster's burrowing while minimizing heat loss in variable climates. No pronounced seasonal molt patterns altering coloration have been documented, though the fur's woolly quality likely thickens modestly in cooler months.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) has a broad native range extending across , the , , , , and western China. In , its presence is fragmented and rare, particularly in the where it occurs sporadically in countries such as , , and , often confirmed through indirect evidence like predator pellets rather than live sightings. Further east, populations are more continuous through the (including and ), across the steppe regions of and (such as and ), into the , and reaching the western provinces of China like . This species occupies a wide altitudinal within its range, typically found from near to elevations exceeding 1,000 m, with records up to 4,300 m in the of and surrounding areas. Long-term population monitoring in specific regions underscores its persistence; for instance, field studies in the and Varnkatagh communities of (Artsakh) from 1999 to 2023 captured 2,875 individuals among 11,855 small mammals, confirming stable presence in these highland areas. Within this expansive distribution, the grey dwarf hamster generally favors dry, open landscapes such as steppes and semi-deserts.

Habitat preferences

The grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) primarily inhabits arid, open landscapes including dry grasslands, steppes, semi-deserts, deserts, and alpine meadows across its range, where continental climates feature low and extreme variations. These environments offer sparse , open terrain, and suitable conditions for foraging and burrowing. The species avoids moist or forested regions, limiting its distribution to arid and semi-arid zones without dense canopy cover or high humidity. It is associated with burrowable soils, such as sandy or loamy substrates, facilitating its semifossorial lifestyle and avoiding compacted or waterlogged ground. Nothocricetulus migratorius shows altitudinal adaptability, occurring from lowland steppes to high-elevation areas, including records above 1,000 m and up to 4,300 m in the . This allows persistence in diverse topographic settings within arid habitats. It is occasionally found along agricultural margins, such as fields of or that resemble natural steppes, but generally avoids areas due to and soil disturbance.

Behavior

Activity patterns and

The grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) is nocturnal and crepuscular, with activity sometimes occurring during the day in cooler temperatures, though it does not hibernate and reduces activity in winter. Peak population activity is observed from June to October in optimal conditions, such as in parts of . Generally solitary, individuals maintain territories and limit interactions to brief periods. Females provide maternal care during the rearing phase, while males show minimal involvement. Communication likely involves marking and vocalizations, though specific details are limited. The species constructs extensive systems up to 5 m deep and 2 m long, with 2–5 entrances, nesting chambers, and areas, often lined with ; these burrows serve as secure refuges supporting their sedentary, non-migratory lifestyle.

Diet and foraging

Omnivorous, the grey dwarf hamster forages for roots, shoots, seeds, small fruits, and green vegetation, supplemented by , snails, and occasionally small reptiles, amphibians, or . At least 37 plant species have been documented in its diet, including Melilotus officinalis and Medicago falcata. It stores 400–500 g of in chambers, creating "hay piles" for winter consumption, transported via pouches during nocturnal or crepuscular foraging excursions that involve digging and surface scavenging in arid habitats.

Reproduction and life cycle

Breeding occurs primarily in summer, with females producing up to three litters per year, each containing 1–13 young (typically 6–7). Gestation lasts 16–21 days, and newborns weigh 1.7–2.1 g. is reached around 50 days of age, with full adult coloration developing at 4–5 months. In the wild, lifespan is up to 2 years. Maternal care includes , grooming, nest building, and food caching to support and pup growth. Pups begin eating solid food at 10–12 days and are weaned around 17–18 days. Observations in show females spending significant time in the nest early on, decreasing as pups become independent.

Conservation

Population status

The grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) is classified as Least Concern on the , based on an assessment published in 2016 with an errata version issued in 2017. This status reflects its extensive geographic range spanning , the , and parts of , which supports a large overall population despite the absence of precise global estimates. Population trends are unknown globally, reflecting the species' adaptability and broad habitat tolerance, though local abundances vary significantly across its distribution. In core regions of its range, such as and , the grey dwarf hamster is relatively common and can even outnumber house mice (Mus musculus) in certain and semi-arid habitats. However, it becomes locally rare in peripheral areas, particularly in the , where fragmented distributions and low densities limit its presence. In European margins, populations show signs of decline, with scarcity reported in countries like and due to and isolation from central Asian strongholds. Recent field surveys in from 1999 to 2023 captured over 2,800 individuals among 11,855 small mammals, indicating stable local populations in suitable areas despite localized pressures. In , live individuals were rediscovered in 2024, marking the first confirmed live captures after more than 70 years of records limited to remains in owl pellets or roadkills. These findings underscore the ' persistence in marginal European ranges, though ongoing monitoring is needed to track trends.

Threats and conservation measures

The primary threats to the grey dwarf hamster (Nothocricetulus migratorius) stem from habitat loss and degradation in its preferred environments, driven by agricultural expansion, by livestock, and . These activities fragment suitable dry grasslands and arable lands, reducing available burrowing sites and foraging areas across much of its range in and . Predation poses a minor risk, with natural predators including such as the and small mammals like foxes targeting the hamster, particularly juveniles in open habitats. However, no major international threats have been identified, and the demonstrates resilience to , adapting well to semi-desert conditions without significant population declines from climate-driven drying. In , the species' rarity arises from extensive , limiting connectivity between populations in countries like and . Regional conflicts, such as land use changes and activities in , exacerbate these issues by destroying habitats and altering agricultural practices, potentially leading to localized declines. Conservation efforts include the species' presence in several protected areas, such as the Tajik National Park in the , where steppe habitats are preserved to support populations. Monitoring through organizations like the IUCN aids in tracking distribution, while recent field surveys in regions like provide data for local management plans, emphasizing non-invasive population assessments. Recommendations focus on habitat preservation in through sustainable land-use policies to mitigate agricultural impacts, alongside further genetic studies to assess subpopulation diversity and guide targeted interventions.

References

  1. http://treatment.plazi.org/id/03F06D13FFAA2062085213BF0A99FB5A
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266156030_New_localities_of_Grey_Dwarf_Hamster_Cricetulus_migratorius_PALLAS_1773_Mammalia_Cricetidae_in_South-East_Bulgaria
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/cricetulus
  4. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=632732
  5. https://www.gbif.org/species/2438772
  6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323418309_Molecular_phylogenetics_and_taxonomy_of_dwarf_hamsters_Cricetulus_Milne-Edwards_1867_Cricetidae_Rodentia_Description_of_a_new_genus_and_reinstatement_of_another
  7. https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.4387.2.5
  8. https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1002212/
  9. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4387.2.5
  10. https://animalia.bio/grey-dwarf-hamster
  11. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cricetinae/
  12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379125003324
  13. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326662453_Rediscovered_after_half_a_century_a_new_record_of_the_grey_dwarf_hamster_Cricetulus_migratorius_Mammalia_Cricetidae_in_Romania
  14. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1431262-Nothocricetulus-migratorius
  15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40990710/
  16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259179036_Maternal_care_in_captive_grey_hamster_Cricetulus_migratorius_Rodentia_Cricetidae
  17. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/5528/115073390
  18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301206822_Distribution_and_current_status_of_Cricetulus_migratorius_Mammalia_Cricetidae_in_Bulgaria_with_comments_of_its_status_on_the_Balkans
  19. https://biozoojournals.ro/nwjz/content/v18n1/nwjz_e227701_Anitei.pdf
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395321477_Distribution_population_dynamics_and_current_status_of_the_grey_dwarf_hamster_Cricetulus_migratorius_Pallas_1773_in_the_Martakert_and_Varnkatagh_communities_of_Nagorno-Karabakh
  21. https://www.sakertour.com/2024/04/grey-dwarf-hamster-extension-in-romania-2024/
  22. https://www.ifaw.org/animals/wild-hamsters
  23. https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1237&context=zoology
  24. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/dwarf-hamster/
  25. https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/7Nd863xmTPnYvGzgsHkz7GM/?lang=en
  26. https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/nominations/1252rev.pdf
  27. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324960100_Genetic_differentiation_in_Cricetulus_migratorius_Pallas_1773_Rodentia_Cricetidae
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