Status And Conservation Needs Of The Otter Lutra Lutra In The Western Palaearctic

In English & French

Eight species of hamster are found in Europe. The Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and the Golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) are popular pets but the others occur solely in eastern Europe living in agricultural or steppe-like habitats. The increase of agricultural production has led to an increase in their distribution. Some species are in decline but some species in some parts of Europe are regarded as pests. This study aims to give a summary of the status of hamsters in Europe. It summarises the biology, distribution and conservation status and analyses the causes of decline of the Common hamster and the state of the Romanian hamster. Ways of dealing with the conservation or management of the species are proposed

A wall map for this report is available from the Secretariat of the Council of Europe