The Hamster also known as Corn Wolf

Hamster (Corn Wolf or European Hamster)

The European hamster (Korenwolf), also known as the corn wolf, is a fascinating rodent that was once common in Europe, but is now sadly endangered. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the European hamster, including its characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, and what you can do to help conserve this special species.

Where do Corn Wolf Hamsters live in the wild?

European hamsters can be found in the wild in certain parts of Europe, although their native range has declined significantly over the years. Nowadays they are mainly found in countries such as France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania and Russia.

In France, European hamsters can be found in Alsace, Lorraine, and parts of the Loire Valley. In Germany they are mainly found in the Rhine-Meuse valley and some adjacent areas. Austria houses European hamsters mainly in the eastern regions of the country, along the Danube and the March. In Switzerland they can be found in the regions of Basel and Zurich.

In addition, there are smaller populations in Hungary, Romania and Russia. In general, European hamsters prefer open grasslands, fields and wastelands where they can dig and make tunnels for their nests.

It is important to note that European hamsters are threatened with extinction in many of these areas due to habitat loss, intensive agricultural practices and other human activities. Therefore, conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique rodents and maintain their populations.

Characteristics - What are the characteristics of the Korenwolf Hamster?

Size: The European hamster is larger than the typical hamster species that people keep as pets. Adults can grow up to 8 to 14 inches (20 to 34 cm) long, including the tail.

Coat: They have a dense coat that can vary from gray-brown to yellowish or reddish-brown depending on the season.

Tail: Unlike many other hamster species, the European hamster has a relatively short tail.

Hibernation: During the winter months, European hamsters enter a deep hibernation, during which their body temperature drops and their metabolism slows down. This allows them to survive the scarce food supply and save energy during the coldest period of the year.

Although European hamsters do not have well-developed vision, they rely heavily on their excellent sense of smell and hearing to find food and detect predators. They also use scent markings to define their territory and communicate with other hamsters.

Despite their vulnerability to habitat loss, European hamsters have a remarkable adaptability to changing conditions. For example, they may migrate to new areas in response to changes in land use or food availability.

Habitat - Where does the Corn Wolf Hamster live?

The European hamster is native to parts of Europe, including France, Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe and Russia. It prefers open areas of grasslands, fields and wastelands where it can dig and tunnel for building its nests.

What does the Corn Wolf Hamster eat?

The European hamster is omnivorous and eats a varied diet consisting of grains, seeds, roots, insects and sometimes small animals. They are mainly active at dusk and at night, when they search for food.

Behavior - What is the behavior of the Corn Wolf Hamster?

Digging: European hamsters are master diggers and can dig complex tunnel systems that can go up to one and a half meters deep. These tunnels serve as nests and provide protection from predators and extreme weather conditions. They dig deep tunnels in which they make nests and store food.

Solitary: Although they are solitary animals and exhibit territorial behavior, European hamsters can sometimes share communal nests, especially during hibernation.

Communication: They communicate with each other through sounds, smells and body language, including growling, squeaking and marking their territory with scents from their glands.

Reproduction: European hamsters have a relatively short gestation period of about three weeks. A female can have young several times a year, usually in spring and summer. A typical litter consists of 5 to 15 young, which open their eyes after about three weeks and are weaned after about six weeks.

Conservation - Is the Corn Wolf Hamster Endangered?

Unfortunately, the European hamster is threatened by habitat loss, intensive agricultural practices and predation. To help conserve this beautiful species, several measures can be taken, including:

Habitat Protection: Maintaining and restoring suitable habitats for the European hamster, such as fields and wastelands, is essential for their survival.

Farming practices: Promoting farming practices that take into account the needs of wildlife, such as leaving borders and strips of natural vegetation, can help reduce the impact of farming on European hamsters.

Awareness: Raising awareness about the value of European hamsters and the threats they face can contribute to their protection and conservation.

With the right effort and attention, we can help prevent the European hamster from becoming extinct and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy these beautiful animals.

Is she the European Hamster (Korenwolf) and the Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster) related?

Both the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) belong to the Cricetidae family, known as the hamster family. Despite belonging to the same family, they belong to different genera and are not closely related to each other.

The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) belongs to the genus Cricetus, while the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) belongs to the genus Mesocricetus. Although they share some similarity in appearance, they have different characteristics and lifestyles.

The European hamster is larger and has a wider head and shorter tail than the Syrian hamster. Moreover, they have different preferences regarding habitat and habitat. The European hamster lives mainly in open grasslands and croplands, while the Syrian hamster naturally occurs in drier, steppe-like areas of the Middle East.

Although they are similar in appearance and belong to the same family, the European hamster and the Syrian hamster each have their own unique characteristics and lifestyles.