Notes on the current distribution and the ecology of wild golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Two expeditions were carried out during September 1997 and March 1999 to co nfirm the current existence of Mesocricetus auratus in northern Syria. Six females and seven males were caught at different sites near Aleppo. One fem ale was pregnant and gave birth to six pups. Altogether, 30 burrows were ma pped and the structures of 23 golden hamster burrows investigated. None of the inhabited burrows contained more than one adult. Burrow depths ranged f rom 36 to 106 cm (mean 65 cm). Their structure was simple, consisting of a single vertical entrance (gravity pipe) that proceeded to a nesting chamber and at least one additional food chamber. The mean length of the entire ga llery system measured 200 cm and could extend up to 900 cm. Most burrows we re found on agricultural fields preferentially on leguminous cultures. The distribution of golden hamsters is discussed in association with historical data, soil types, geography, climate and human activities. All 19 golden h amsters were transferred to Germany and, together with three wild individua ls supplied by the University of Aleppo, form a new breeding stock.