The golden hamster or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a rodent belonging to the hamster subfamily, Cricetinae. Their natural geographical range is in an arid region of northern Syria and southern Turkey. Their numbers have been declining in the wild due to a loss of habitat from agriculture and deliberate elimination by humans. Thus, wild golden hamsters are now considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, captive breeding programs are well-established, and captive-bred golden hamsters are often kept as small house pets. They are also used as scientific research animals.
Syrian hamsters are larger than many of the dwarf hamsters kept as pocket pets (up to five times larger), though the wild European hamster exceeds Syrian hamsters in size.
Characteristics
Adult golden hamsters can reach around 7.1 in (18 cm) long. Females are usually larger than males, with a body mass of around 100–150 grams (3.5–5.3 oz) and lifespan of 2-3 years. Syrian hamsters from private breeders can be in the range of 175–225 grams (6.2–7.9...