Mongolian hamster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mongolian hamster |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Allocricetulus
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| Species: |
curtatus
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The Mongolian hamster (Allocricetulus curtatus) is a small rodent that lives in China and Mongolia. It belongs to the same animal family as other hamsters, called Cricetidae. This hamster is one of two types in its specific group, known as Allocricetulus. The other type is the Eversmann's hamster.
When they are young, Mongolian hamsters are called "pups." An adult male hamster is known as a "buck," and an adult female is called a "doe." If you see a whole group of them together, it's called a "horde."
Contents
What is a Mongolian Hamster Like?
The Mongolian hamster is a tiny creature, usually weighing between 20 and 50 grams. That's about as much as a small candy bar! It has brownish-grey fur on its back and sides, with a white belly. It also has a short tail.
Daily Life and Habits
These hamsters are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. During the day, they usually rest or sleep. When winter comes, Mongolian hamsters are known to hibernate. This means they go into a deep sleep to save energy when food is scarce and it's very cold.
It's important to remember that the Mongolian hamster is a wild animal. Unlike some other hamster types, it cannot be tamed or kept as a pet.
What Do Mongolian Hamsters Eat?
The Mongolian hamster is an herbivore. This means its diet is made up only of plants. They mostly eat seeds, but they also enjoy fruits and vegetables they find in their natural habitat.
Are Mongolian Hamsters Endangered?
Currently, the Mongolian hamster is not considered an endangered species. This means there are still plenty of them in the wild. However, their future could be at risk. If their natural water sources are removed or dry up, their numbers could start to drop. This could eventually lead to them becoming endangered.
See also
In Spanish: Hámster mongol para niños
