DJUNGARIAN HAMSTER Meaning and
Definition
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The Djungarian hamster, also known as the Siberian dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus), is a small rodent species belonging to the family Cricetidae. It is native to the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia, particularly in regions such as Mongolia, Siberia, Kazakhstan, and China.
With an average adult size of 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in length, Djungarian hamsters are considered one of the smallest species of hamsters. They have a distinct round body shape, short limbs, and a relatively short tail. Their fur is thick and dense, often displaying a grayish-brown dorsal coat with a white belly. A distinguishing feature of the Djungarian hamster is the characteristic dark stripe that runs down its back, bordered by two lighter stripes.
These hamsters are primarily nocturnal and solitary creatures, spending most of their time burrowing underground in their natural habitats. They are highly adaptable, allowing them to survive in extreme cold climates with harsh winters. In captivity, Djungarian hamsters have become popular as pets due to their small size, cute appearance, and generally docile nature.
In terms of diet, these hamsters are omnivorous and consume a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and occasional insects in the wild. When kept as pets, they are typically fed a balanced diet consisting of hamster pellets, seeds, and some fresh produce.
Djungarian hamsters are known for their high breeding rate, with females often producing litters containing 4 to 6 pups multiple times a year. This reproductive capacity has contributed to their popularity in the pet trade.
Etymology of DJUNGARIAN HAMSTER
The word "djungarian" in "djungarian hamster" refers to the Djungarian region in Mongolia, which is the natural habitat of this particular hamster species. Djungarian hamsters, also known as Phodopus sungorus, are native to this region in Central Asia.
The etymology of "djungarian" itself is traced back to the Russian word "джунгарский" (pronounced "dzhungarskiy"), which in turn is derived from the Mongolian name for the region, "Зүүнгар" ("Züüngar"). This term is thought to be a combination of "зүүн" ("züün"), meaning "left" or "east", and "гар" ("gar"), which can be translated as "mountain" or "ridge".
