Here’s an overview of the origins and distribution of wild hamsters:
1. Primary Origins
Western Asia: The direct ancestors of modern pet hamsters, such as Syrian hamsters, originated in Middle Eastern regions like Syria and Israel, with the first domestication occurring in 1930.
Northern China and Mongolia: Native species like the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and the common hamster are widely distributed across northern China’s grasslands, deserts, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
2. Modern Distribution Range
Asia: North of the Yangtze River in China, Mongolia, Central Asia, the Korean Peninsula, and Eastern Europe.
Other Regions: European hamsters are found in Eastern Europe, while species from the subfamily Cricetinae also inhabit parts of North and South America.
3. Habitat Characteristics
Wild hamsters prefer:
Terrain: Grasslands, semi-deserts, farmlands, river valleys, and shrublands.
Elevation: Semi-arid areas between 500–2000 meters. Some species, like the Tibetan hamster, have adapted to high-altitude environments.