SmartBirds
Scientists from the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER-BAS), partners in the “Life for Falcons” project, have launched the 2026 breeding season for the Romanian hamster.
The first litter of eight pups was born on 13 May 2026, followed by a second litter of nine pups on 28 May. Born hairless and blind, the young rodents are entirely dependent on their mother, while the male does not participate in their care. Following the births, researchers enrich the females’ diet with additional protein and fresh vegetables. At around three weeks of age, the pups weigh approximately 28 grams each.
More litters are expected in the coming weeks.
The Romanian hamster (Mesocricetus newtoni) is an extremely rare mammal species found only in a limited area of Bulgaria and Romania. Research conducted within the project indicates that only a single population may remain in the wild, located in north-central Bulgaria.
The scientists’ goal is to breed this rare species in captivity and eventually release individuals into suitable habitats, contributing to the recovery of the species in the wild.
