Suche
Mein Konto
European hamster plague on new forest fields: young animals conquer northern Saxony!
Field hamsters from Leipzig Zoo have successfully given birth to young in northern Saxony. Species conservation project begins year two.
European hamster plague on new forest fields: young animals conquer northern Saxony!
There was recently a little reason to be happy in northern Saxony. Two months after the release of field hamsters into the wild, the first young animals were spotted. According to that MDR The small rodents were captured on wildlife cameras, which proves the Leipzig Zoo's species protection project to reintroduce this endangered species to be successful.
The project, known as “LIFE4HamsterSaxony”, aims to sustainably promote and secure the habitats of the European hamster in the region. A total of 179 field hamsters were settled in two different fields in northern Saxony. The project manager, Thomas Liebenstein, emphasizes the importance of working with local farmers. They have to manage their fields in a “hamster-friendly” way in order to offer the hamsters the optimal environment.
Collaboration with farmers
The measures that farmers implement are crucial. The plan is to grow various crops in strips, such as alfalfa and winter cereals, as well as to create flowering strips. This is supplemented by a partial harvest waiver and delayed stubble cultivation. It is also important to avoid using harmful pesticides and only use heavy machinery during the day. These specifications are intended to help sustainably preserve and improve the habitats of the field hamsters so that they can thrive again behind the scenes.
What is particularly noteworthy is the financial support the project receives. In total, 75 percent of the 12.2 million euro costs are financed by the European Union. The rest is covered by Saxony, the Leipzig Zoo and the district of North Saxony. From October 2025, hamster protection will also be expanded to an area of 400 hectares near Delitzsch, which will significantly expand the reach of the project.
Insights into the life of field hamsters
Field hamsters are fascinating creatures that live in fields and have a particular penchant for deep digging. In this way they create a suitable habitat in which they not only sleep but also store supplies. Like in an episode of Broadcast with the mouse explains, they also rely on the right food source, with alfalfa being one of their main food sources. In addition to all these factors, conservationists must also create special fields and implement protective measures such as electric fences against possible predators, such as foxes.
Leipzig Zoo's species protection project represents an important step in the right direction to stabilize the European hamster population in the long term and allow it to increase again. With creative and sustainable approaches and the active participation of agriculture, the region may soon be able to benefit from a vibrant European hamster community again.