Cricetulus alticola Thomas 1917

12.

Ladakh Dwarf Hamster

Cricetulus alticola

French: Hamster du Ladakh / German: Ladakh-Zwerghamster / Spanish: Hamster enano de Ladakh

Other common names: Ladakh Hamster, Tibetan Dwarf Hamster

Taxonomy. Cricetulus alticola Thomas, 1917, “Shushul, 13,500" [= 4115 m],” Ladakh, Kashmir, India.

Cricetulus alticola is in the kamensis species group. It is sometimes considered as a subspecies of kamensis. Monotypic.

Distribution. SW China (SW Xinjiang and W Tibet [= Xizang]), NW India, and W Nepal.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 80-100 mm, tail 29-42 mm, ear 13-16 mm, hindfoot 15-18 mm; weight 22-48 g. The Ladakh Dwarf Hamster is similar to the Gray Dwarf Hamster (C. migratorius) in size but differs by having shorter ears, smaller bullae, and different colored venter. Dorsal pelageis gray yellowish brown without spots, and ventral pelage is grayish white. There is no sharp boundary between upper and lower surfaces; instead,it is an indistinguishable wavy line along sides. Thighs are gray. Tail is short, light brown above and white below. Bullae are vertically and horizontally small. M' has distinct folding pattern. Karyotype is 2n = 22.

Habitat. Coniferous and birch forests and also shrublands, desert steppe, swamp, and highland meadows at elevations of 3100-5200 m.

Food and Feeding. The Ladakh Dwarf Hamster eats grass seeds, grains, and insects.

Breeding. Reproduction occurs in May-August and peaks in June-July. Litters have 5-10 young (usually 7-8).

Activity patterns. The Ladakh Dwarf Hamster is generally nocturnal, but it can be active during the day.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Ladakh Dwarf Hamsteris solitary.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Ladakh Dwarf Hamster is threatened by habitat loss due to expansion of human settlements and army camps.

Bibliography. Agrawal (2000), Lim & Ross (1992), Molur (2016b), Molur et al. (2005), Musser & Carleton (2005), Smith & Hoffmann (2008).