Small Mammals of the Cricetidae Family in the Order Rodentia
Hamsters are a general term for the animals of the subfamily Cricetinae within the family Cricetidae of the order Rodentia. They are small mammals and have the following typical characteristics:
Classification and Morphological Features
The scientific name is Cricetinae. There are a total of 7 genera and 18 species, and in China, 3 genera and 9 species are distributed.
They have a short and stout body shape, a short tail, and cheek pouches (used for temporarily storing food). There are no obvious ridges on the skull, and the chewing surface of the molars has conical cusps.
Distribution and Habitat Environment
They are mainly distributed in North America, South America, Central Europe, Asia, South Africa, and other regions. In China, they are mainly found in the areas north of the Yangtze River.
They have strong adaptability and inhabit various environments such as grasslands, deserts, and farmlands. They live in burrows, and their burrow systems are complex with dedicated food storage chambers.
Behavior and Diet
Nocturnal: They rest during the day and are active at night. Their vision can only distinguish between black and white.
Omnivorous: Their diet mainly consists of plant seeds, and they also eat tender stems and leaves, fruits, and animal foods such as insects. They have the habit of storing food (90 kilograms of stored grains have been found in burrows).
Social Behavior: They mark their territory through the secretions of sebaceous glands, and the size of the glands is related to the individual's dominance hierarchy.
Relationship with Humans
Some species are regarded as harmful rats because they damage crops or spread diseases. However, due to their small size, cuteness, and lack of unpleasant odor, five species such as the Syrian hamster and Campbell's dwarf hamster have been domesticated as pets.
Special Habits
Their teeth grow throughout their lives, so they need to gnaw on hard objects to grind their teeth. They do not hibernate in winter and rely on the stored food to survive.