Dzhungarian Hamster
Phodopus sungorus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae
About
The winter white dwarf hamster, also known as the Russian dwarf hamster, Djungarian hamster, Dzungarian hamster, striped dwarf hamster, Siberian hamster, or Siberian dwarf hamster, is one of three species of hamster in the genus Phodopus. Its body is ball-shaped and typically half the size of the golden hamster, so is called a dwarf hamster along with all Phodopus species. Features of the winter white hamster include a typically thick, dark grey dorsal stripe and furry feet. As winter approaches and the days shorten, the winter white dwarf hamster's dark fur is almost entirely replaced with white fur. In captivity, this does not usually happen as animals maintained as pets are generally housed indoors and exposed to artificial light that prevents the recognition of short winter daylengths. In the wild, they originate from the wheat fields of Kazakhstan, the meadows of Mongolia and Siberia, and the birch stands of Manchuria.
Fun Fact
The average lifespan of the winter white dwarf hamster is one to three years in captivity, though they can live longer.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Live in the semideserts in Central Asia.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance