{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "hamster",
  "name": "Hamster",
  "scientificName": "Mesocricetus auratus",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "The Syrian or golden hamster is the most popular pet hamster, a small nocturnal rodent that stores food in cheek pouches and must live alone as an adult. With good care, hamsters live 2–3 years and need a large enclosure, deep bedding for burrowing, and a species-appropriate wheel.",
  "conservationStatus": "Domesticated",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Rodentia",
    "family": "Cricetidae",
    "genus": "Mesocricetus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 0.15,
    "lengthM": 0.17,
    "topSpeedKmh": 8,
    "lifespanYears": 3
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Mesocricetus auratus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Omnivore — commercial hamster mix, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Domestic worldwide; wild populations in Syria and Turkey"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "2–3 years (occasionally up to 3.5)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "100–200 g (3.5–7 oz)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to 8 km/h (5 mph); runs several kilometres nightly on a wheel"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Domesticated (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "The Syrian hamster's wild range is a small area of steppe in Syria and Turkey; pet hamsters are captive-bred worldwide.",
    "continents": [
      "Asia"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Mesocricetus auratus.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Mesocricetus%20auratus&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Mesocricetus auratus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mesocricetus_auratus/"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/hamster/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/hamster/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}