1. Geographical Distribution
Global Scope: Wild hamsters are widely distributed in regions such as North America, South America, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia (such as Mongolia, Syria, Iran), South Africa, and Madagascar, etc.
Within China: They mainly live in provinces north of the Yangtze River, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, semi-desert areas, and farmland regions.
2. Habitat Environment
Wild hamsters have strong adaptability and are commonly found in the following habitats:
Arid and Semi-arid Areas: Such as deserts, grasslands, and semi-deserts. They rely on digging burrows to escape the heat in summer and keep warm in winter.
Regions with Human Activities: Farmlands, gardens, thickets in river valleys, and even areas around houses.
High-altitude Areas: Some species can inhabit alpine meadows at an altitude of 3,600 meters.
3. Living Habits
Living in Burrows: Wild hamsters are terrestrial animals, and their burrow systems are complex, including special food storage chambers.
Diverse Diet: They mainly feed on plant seeds, and occasionally prey on insects or carrion.
Solitary and Nocturnal: They have a strong sense of territory and only gather briefly during the breeding period.