The natural habitats of hamsters are mainly distributed in temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, with the following specific distribution characteristics:
1. Major Distribution Areas
Asia
Northern China (provinces north of the Yangtze River) and areas surrounding the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Mongolia, Central Asia, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East
Arid grasslands of the Middle East, such as Syria, Iran, and Turkey
Europe
Semi-arid regions of Eastern and Southern Europe (e.g., Hungary, Romania)
2. Typical Habitats
Grasslands and Deserts
Wild hamsters mostly inhabit grasslands or deserts with large day-night temperature differences, digging burrows up to 2–3 meters deep to regulate temperature.
Semi-Arid Zones
They prefer shrublands, river valleys, and areas around farmlands at elevations of 500–2000 meters.
Special Terrains
These include gobi deserts (e.g., the Hexi Corridor in China) and shrub areas at the foot of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
3. Distribution of China’s Endemic Species
Cricetulus barabensis (striped hamster): Found in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and the Korean Peninsula.
Cricetus cricetus (European hamster): Only present in northwestern Xinjiang, with a scarce population.