Wildlifeof China
Striped Lesser Hamster
Rats, Mice, Voles & Porcupines
Photo: Mathew Zappa · CC BY 4.0
Cricetulus barabensis
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds of grasses, grains and legumes
Habitat
Arid and semiarid grassland, steppe, semidesert and farmland
Range
Southern Siberia through Mongolia and northeastern China to northern Korea
Litter size
Usually 6–7; up to 10
Size
7.2–11.6cm head-and-body length
Weight
20–35g
The striped lesser hamster, more commonly called the Chinese striped hamster, measures 7.2–11.6cm and weighs 20–35g. It has pale grey-brown upperparts, a faint dark stripe along the spine and a short tail. Its range extends from southern Siberia through Mongolia and northeastern China to northern Korea. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It occupies arid grassland, steppe, semidesert and farmland. Seeds of grasses, grains and legumes are carried in cheek pouches and stored in underground chambers. The hamster is most active early at night and hibernates in winter. Litters average six or seven young, with as many as ten recorded. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Striped Lesser Hamster eat?
- Seeds of grasses, grains and legumes
- What habitat does the Striped Lesser Hamster live in?
- Arid and semiarid grassland, steppe, semidesert and farmland
- Where is the Striped Lesser Hamster found?
- Southern Siberia through Mongolia and northeastern China to northern Korea
- What is the litter size of the Striped Lesser Hamster?
- Usually 6–7; up to 10
- How big is the Striped Lesser Hamster?
- 7.2–11.6cm head-and-body length
- How much does the Striped Lesser Hamster weigh?
- 20–35g