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Mortality factors of the common hamsterCricetus cricetus at two sites in Germany

Acta Theriologica volume 48, pages 47–57 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

The mortality of the common hamsterCricetus cricetus (Linnaeus, 1758) was analysed in two regions of Germany. Samples of radio tagged individuals and carcasses found in the field during monitoring procedures were compared. Predation and winter mortality were the main mortality factors, followed by disease and death caused by agricultural machinery during the harvest or other management measures. The causes of mortality differed in the two regions, due to different environmental and ecological parameters, including field size, crops, presence of predators, and agricultural management. The main mortality factors were all directly or indirectly linked to agriculture. Present agricultural management exacerbates predation and increases winter mortality in this species. Crops with a prolonged vegetation cover and food supply are crucial for the survival of common hamsters on farmland with intense agricultural management.

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Author notes

  1. Ulrich Weinhold

    Present address: Institut für Faunistik, Rabelsacker 9, 69253, Heiligkreuzsteinach, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Domplatz 4, 06099, Halle (Saale), Germany

    Anja KAyser & Michael Stubbe

  2. Institute of Zoology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Ulrich Weinhold

Authors
  1. Anja KAyser
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  2. Ulrich Weinhold
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  3. Michael Stubbe
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KAyser, A., Weinhold, U. & Stubbe, M. Mortality factors of the common hamsterCricetus cricetus at two sites in Germany. Acta Theriol 48, 47–57 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03194265

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03194265

Key words

  • Cricetus cricetus
  • mortality factors
  • radiotelemetry
  • carcasses
  • agricultural
  • management