Home › Mammalia › Cricetidae › Romanian Hamster (Mesocricetus newtoni)
SPECIES PROFILE
Romanian Hamster (Mesocricetus newtoni)
Mesocricetus
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Farmland, steppe
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Cricetidae
GENUS
Mesocricetus
📋 Description
SIZE
15-20 cm body, 80-120 g
COLORATION
Golden-brown, dark cheek patches
ADAPTATIONS
Cheek pouches, hibernation
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Farmland, steppe
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine
REPRODUCTION
4-8 young, 1-2 litters per year
DIET DETAILS
Seeds, grains, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, agriculture
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Romanian hamster is a rare species restricted to a small area in SE Europe. It is nocturnal and stores food in burrows.
2
It is threatened by intensive farming and loss of steppe habitat.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Dobrudja Romania
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Extremely rare; night searches in farmland of SE Europe.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Spring-summer
