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By Korenwolf
#1782556
European hamster added to 'critically endangered' list - apparently we're not breeding enough...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-53363474

The European Hamster (Cricetus cricetus), once abundant across Europe and Russia, has suffered severe populations declines across its entire range and is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Research has shown that the population declines are likely due to lowered reproduction rates. While a female hamster had an average of over 20 offspring a year during most of the 20th century, females today have been found to give birth to only 5 to 6 pups annually. The reasons for the reduced reproduction rates are not yet fully understood, but the expansion of monoculture plantations, industrial development, global warming and light pollution are being investigated as possible causes.

As a result, the rodent has vanished from three quarters of its original habitat in the French region of Alsace, from at least a third of its range in Germany, and from more than 75% of its range in Eastern Europe. If nothing changes, the species is expected to go extinct within the next 30 years.
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By Pete L
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1782632
Not a bad point.

It could be a sign of the day the hamsters will rule the earth - as societies become richer and more educated the birth rate goes down.
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