Change zoos: Leipzig fights for the rescue of the Feldhamster!

Change zoos: Leipzig fights for the rescue of the Feldhamster!

A lot has happened in the world of zoos. In particular, the zoos in Germany, above all the Zoo Leipzig , have increasingly positioned themselves as educational and research institutions in recent years. The protection of endangered animal species is a central concern, which also includes the sweet field hamster. These small rodents are not easy: modern agriculture and the sealing of soils are enormous.

The "Arche for the Feldhamster", a project that was launched in 2021, has been committed to the preservation of this kind. The Leipzig Zoo has already achieved success in breeding and release of Feldhamstern, which are officially considered to be threatened with extinction. Patience is required for the breeders, because breeding does not always run smoothly. As the latest reports show, there were difficulties in a current test approach than a male approached a female too briskly and there was a rejection.

committed species protection in focus

The commitment of the Leipzig Zoo goes beyond breeding. According to the Zoo Leipzig , the project includes the rescue of the field hamster inventory and resettlement measures as well as extensive research activities. The breeding station was established in cooperation with the Saxon State Ministry in order to secure the preservation of the Feldhamster in Saxony and Central Germany in the long term.

The "Arche for the Feldhamster" is part of a holistic protection strategy. This also includes cooperation with various partners in the working group of cooperative field hamster protection in order to open up new habitats at this type. Because the challenges in front of which the field hamsters are facing are diverse and require innovative solutions.

The charming field hamster

The field hamster (Cricetus Cricetus) is not only remarkable because of its colorful, soft fur with a black belly and white front paws. He gave birth to average of four boys between April and August - a number that has been reduced to currently only one litter per year due to the decline in recent years. The egg -bearing diet of the field hamster consists of plant parts, potatoes, sugar beet and even small animals, which he transports and is stored in his stretchy cheek bags.

But the enemies of the field hamster should not be underestimated. Foxes, martens and birds of prey like the red kite make life difficult for him. The hibernation behavior that ranges from October to mid -April shows the amazing adaptability of these small animals. Who would have thought that there is so much survival strategies in a charming animal?

Working in the zoo and the use for the field hamster are far from complete. Thanks to the commitment and support of projects such as that of the Nabu , the Feldhamster may soon be found in a variety of habitats in Central Germany. It remains exciting!