The distribution of the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in western Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the current range of the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in western Ukraine by checking the points of occurrence known from literature, personal reports and museum collections. According to RUSIN et al. (2013) the common hamster was reported from 23 localities grouped in 12 areas in 7 oblasts of Western Ukraine. In total, we confirmed eight areas of hamster occurrence from RUSIN et al. (2013) and found one new locality. The highest densities of the common hamster occured around Hrymailiv, Ternopol oblast and Halych, Ivano- Frankovsk oblast. The areas located in the vicinity of Lutsk in Volyn oblast, Chernovtsy and between Sambir and Old Sambir in Lvov oblast represent medium density populations. Low and very low densities were found in areas close to Lvov and Kamieniec Podolski, and Khmelnitskiy oblast. In general, it can be stated that the Volyn Upland and Podolia are still inhabited by the common hamster. Moreover, habitat conditions that support the existence of the common hamster and possibilities of contact with hamster populations from neighboring countries are also discussed in this paper.