Hamsters have a wide distribution range, and their specific living areas vary depending on the species and the environment. Here are the main living areas of hamsters and their characteristics:
Distribution in China
In China, hamsters are mainly distributed in the areas north of the Yangtze River, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and other places. They inhabit environments such as grasslands, deserts, semi-deserts, farmlands, hillslopes, and meadows.
Worldwide Distribution
Hamsters are widely distributed in Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, as well as North and South America, etc. They are particularly common in the arid regions of Central Asia.
Habitat Environment
Hamsters are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, semi-deserts, farmlands, alpine pastures, river valleys, thickets, as well as gardens and grassy areas. They prefer dark places without direct sunlight. Usually, they choose to dig burrows to live in and store food in these burrows.
Activity Habits
Hamsters are nocturnal animals. They usually rest in their burrows during the day. The peak activity periods are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. They are highly vigilant and will quickly flee or fight back when faced with threats.
Reproduction and Survival
Hamsters have a high reproductive rate. The gestation period is about 16 to 20 days, and each litter can produce 6 to 8 pups. If a female hamster is disturbed during the lactation period, she may bite and even eat her pups.
In conclusion, the living areas of hamsters cover a wide range, from the areas north of the Yangtze River in China to Central Asia, Europe, and other places. They can adapt to various environments and make their homes in burrows, demonstrating extremely strong survival abilities.