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Campbell's dwarf hamster facts for kids

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Campbell's dwarf hamster
PhodopusSungorus 1.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
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Species:
P. campbelli
Binomial name
Phodopus campbelli
(Thomas, 1905)
Synonyms
  • Phodpus tuvinicus Orlov and Iskharova, 1974
  • Phodopus crepidatus Hollister, 1912

The Campbell's dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli) is a small, furry animal. It is a type of hamster that lives in the wild. These hamsters originally come from central Asia. The species got its name from a man named W. C. Campbell. He was the first person to collect one in Mongolia on July 1, 1902.

What Do Campbell's Hamsters Eat?

Campbell's dwarf hamsters enjoy a varied diet. They typically munch on corn, oats, and peanuts. They also like different vegetables and many kinds of seeds. Besides plants, these hamsters also eat insects, tiny bugs, and snails. They might also nibble on leaves, wood, bark, stems, flowers, fruits, and grains.

Who Hunts Campbell's Hamsters?

Wild Campbell's dwarf hamsters have several natural enemies. Animals like foxes hunt them. Birds of prey, such as owls, eagles, kestrels, and falcons, also prey on these small hamsters.

How Long Do Campbell's Hamsters Live?

Campbell's dwarf hamsters usually live for about 2.5 to 3 years. They build their homes underground in burrows. They line these burrows with soft materials. They use grass, feathers, and wool to make their homes cozy.

They keep their food very close inside their burrows. This helps them hide their food from other animals. It also makes sure they have enough to eat when winter comes.

What Do Campbell's Hamsters Look Like?

The Campbell's Russian hamster usually has a grayish color. Its belly is a creamy white. A dark stripe runs down its back. Scientists have found three main types of colors for these hamsters. These are called collared, mottled, and spot. Each type looks quite different from the others.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Hámster enano de Campbell para niños

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