History
Domestic hamsters are derived from one female wild golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and her 12 offspring. The original stock was collected by Dr. Aharoni in northern Syria in 1930. After setting up a breeding programme in Jerusalem, he sent a number of hamsters to the UK in 1931 and some to the USA in 1938, for use in laboratories. They were introduced into the pet trade in 1945.

Life span
Hamsters are short lived and usually only live for 18-24 months in the wild and up to three years in captivity.

Distribution and Habitat in the wild
The golden hamster is found in the steppe regions of North West Syria.

Behaviour in the wild
Hamsters are nocturnal although they are sometimes active during the day. They are solitary and live in burrows. They feed on vegetation, fruit and seeds, storing any surplus food in their cheek pouches which they empty into their burrow and hoard for future consumption.

Females produce several litters a year, usually with 6-7 young.