Ciscaucasian Hamster - Morphology and Biology

Morphology and Biology

Hamsters of the subspecies found in mountainous regions are larger than the ones found on the plains. They are about 28 cm (11 in) long with a short tail, 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long. They are yellowish-brown above with creamy-white throat and underparts and a black ventral region. There are two broad black stripes at the shoulder and the ears are large and rounded. This hamster is considered an agricultural pest. It is mainly nocturnal, emerging at dusk to feed on grasses and herbs in spring and early summer, and on seeds, crops and roots in the autumn. The burrow is extensive and has several exits in the mountain subspecies but only one on the plains. Large stores of food (up to 16 kg (35 lb)) are laid up in the autumn before hibernation which lasts for four to six months depending on the temperature and altitude. This food is mostly eaten in the spring upon emergence from hibernation. In the mountains there are two generations each year but on the plains there may be three or four. Litter size is up to twenty and averages about twelve. This fecundity means that the species can recover quickly after harsh winters and the population size is subject to considerable fluctuations.