Chinese Striped Hamster

Overview

The Chinese Striped Hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) is a rodent in the hamster family. Body 8–12 cm, with a clear dark dorsal stripe running the full length of the spine over grayish-brown fur. Inhabits steppes, semi-arid grasslands and agricultural fields across northern and northeastern China, Mongolia and adjacent Russia and Korea. Adaptable and considered an agricultural pest in parts of China. The stripe resembles but is distinct from that of the Chinese hamster.

Scientific Name & Origin

Scientifically known as Cricetulus barabensis, the Chinese Striped Hamster belongs to the genus Cricetulus. It is a wild species not normally kept as a pet. Its native range covers N & NE China, Mongolia, S Russia, Korea.

Appearance & Size

Body 8–12 cm, with a clear dark dorsal stripe running the full length of the spine over grayish-brown fur. Hamsters are distinguished by expandable cheek pouches used to carry food and nesting material, and by continuously growing incisors. Coat colouration and markings vary between species and individuals.

Behavior & Temperament

As with most hamsters, adults can be territorial toward one another and introductions should be supervised. Hamsters are generally crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and spend much of the day resting in a burrow or nest.

Habitat & Ecology

In the wild this species inhabits N & NE China, Mongolia, S Russia, Korea. It lives in a burrow system that provides shelter from predators and temperature extremes and is used to store food. Like other hamsters it is primarily a seed and plant eater, supplemented by insects and other small invertebrates. As a prey species it is an important part of the food chain for owls, foxes, mustelids and snakes.

Health & Lifespan

Wild hamsters generally have short lives, often only one to three years, due to predation and harsh environmental conditions. In the wild, survival is shaped by predation, food availability, climate and disease. Continuous tooth growth and seasonal fattening or torpor are important aspects of their physiology.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, thoughlike all wildlife it depends on the preservation of its native habitat. The species is native to N & NE China, Mongolia, S Russia, Korea.