Comparison of localities of European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the areas of high and low level of human activity

Abstract

European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) holds the status of a strictly protected species with the necessity to be active protected. The decline in its population and limitations in the native habitats in Europe is probably closely related to the loss of their habitats among others due to development of infrastructure and urbanization. On the other side urban areas can be an alternative habitat for hamsters. This study compared the functioning of local population of hamsters inhabiting two areas of high and low level and different kind of human activity. Few key aspects that determine the functioning of the population were considered: the dynamics of the number of burrows in a season of activity, threats resulting from different environmental conditions, and elements of hamsters’ activities and behaviour which can tell us about the level of their adaptation to human presence. Hamsters inhabiting areas located in the periphery of city have been adapted to living near humans by adjustment of their activities to the rhythm of human activity and a slightly higher caution, shown in increased locomotor activity. Compared with rural locality, the locality with a higher level of human activity shows a lower species diversification, number and pressure of wild species of predators. In periurban areas the preying pressure of domesticated cats is greater, while in rural areas - by both feral unattended dogs.