12 million euros for the hamsters – this is how the EU saves the endangered rodent

An EU project worth over 12 million euros is starting in Germany to save the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus). The goal is to re-strengthen the last population of the species living in Saxony and establish a long-term stable population in the Delitzsch area. The program, named "LIFE4HamsterSaxony," lasts for six years, and farmers play a key role in it – because hamster protection must be aligned with agricultural practices. The initiative, financed by the EU with 12.2 million euros in support, is coordinated by the Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG). Project partners include the Leipzig Zoo and the Nordsachsen district administration. The last population of wild European hamsters in the region declined below the detection limit by 2020, primarily due to the drought years of 2018–2019. The program aims to establish hamster-friendly agricultural practices, breed new individuals, and reintroduce them into the wild. The Leipzig Zoo has already ...