Phodopus sungorus campbelli, commonly known as Campbell's dwarf hamster, is a small rodent belonging to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, and family Cricetidae. It is a subspecies of the species Phodopus sungorus and is native to the southeastern region of Kazakhstan, Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China.
Campbell's dwarf hamster is distinct for its compact size, with an average body length of 7-10 centimeters and a tail length of 1-2 centimeters. It has a stocky build, rounded ears, and short, dense fur that comes in various colors such as grey, brown, or a combination of both. The fur on its belly is often paler than the rest of its body.
These creatures are popular as pets due to their small size, gentle demeanor, and low maintenance requirements. They are primarily nocturnal and have a burrowing nature, utilizing their sharp claws to create intricate tunnel systems. Campbell's dwarf hamsters are omnivorous, feeding on a diet consisting of various seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally insects.
In the wild, Campbell's dwarf hamsters live in arid grasslands, semi-deserts, and steppes, where they are adapted to extreme temperature fluctuations and can withstand cold environments. They are known for their ability to vocalize using high-pitched squeaks, clicks, and chirps, which they employ for communication and territorial purposes.
The scientific name "Phodopus sungorus campbelli" is derived from its genus name Phodopus, which means "burrowing foot" in Greek, sungorus, referring to the Sungari River in Siberia, and camp
