The European hamster: an amazing creature on the brink of extinction

European hamsters are known for their ability to gather and hide food in their cheeks, so they can carry up to 20% of their weight in food.

These hamsters live in a variety of landscapes, from fields to forest edges, and their behavior helps maintain the ecosystem.

They are involved in seed dispersal, which promotes plant growth and maintains biodiversity.

European hamster numbers have declined significantly over the past 20 years and continue to decline.

This is due to a decrease in fecundity: previously there could be more than 10 and sometimes up to 20 young in one litter.

At present their number is only 3-6. There is an opinion that this situation is caused by the use of pesticides.