Abstract
Abstract This study applied the analysis of stable isotope ratios as a minimally-invasive tool to estimate the diet of Cricetus cricetus for the first time. We took hair and food samples of three different populations of C. cricetus and analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen ratios. The stable isotope ratios in hamster hairs differed significantly within and between populations according to different sampling seasons and animal ages. Additionally, the isotopic signatures of potential food samples differed between sampling sites and food categories. The isotopic mixing models illustrated that diet composition varied with season and food availability. During the summer season hamsters living in agricultural areas mainly fed on green and ripe crop. In contrast to this, during the winter season ripe crop was the main food component for hamsters in agricultural areas while hamsters living in urban areas fed almost exclusively on nuts. These are, despite a wide variety of available food sources, most suitable for hoarding in the burrow. We conclude that stable isotope analysis of hamster hairs is an appropriate minimal-invasive method to investigate correlations between available and consumed food sources throughout the overall distribution of this species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
