Types of rodent pests and signs of their appearance in a summer cottage. Types of rodents

Types of hamsters

If you decide to get a small furry pet, you should know that, unlike a dog, it will not become your servant or property. The hamster will simply live next to you and communicate with people only when he wants to. The word “master” does not exist for him, and, alas, you will have to come to terms with this.

Most hamsters found in the wild are quite large animals. The body length of some individuals reaches 30 cm. Keeping them at home, as a rule, can be very problematic.

In the family of hamsters there is also a genus of hamsters, numbering 5-7 species, distributed mainly in the forest-steppe and steppe zones Europe and Northern Asia. The size of these animals is small: their body length does not exceed 15 cm. Many of them do not require complex care, so they are domesticated and successfully kept in captivity.

Common hamster

The common hamster is a very beautiful animal. His fur is colored bright colors: the back and sides are red, the belly is black, the paws and nose are white, there are 3 white spots on the chest and sides of the head. Occasionally there are specimens with black and white and almost black coloring. The body length of the animal is 25-30 cm.

Common hamsters live in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of southern Europe, Western Siberia, in Northern Kazakhstan and east of these regions, up to the Yenisei, sometimes penetrate further north. Animals willingly settle on the outskirts of fields and vegetable gardens.

Hamsters dig good-quality holes, the depth of which sometimes reaches 2.5 m. In them they arrange numerous storage rooms connected by tunnels, as well as nesting chambers. At the end of summer, animals begin to stock up for the winter, filling their pantries with grain, potatoes, carrots, corn and other similar products.

The weight of stored food usually reaches 10-20 kg, although there have been cases when up to 90 kg of grain was found in hamsters' pantries. Animals need these reserves for nutrition in winter, when they periodically wake up and, having had enough, go into hibernation again. In addition, this food will be useful to animals in the spring, during the period of lack of sufficient food.

In summer, hamsters feed on green grass, roots, plant seeds, catch and eat insects, and sometimes small animals, such as mice. Rodents are active at night. If an enemy (fox, dog or person) unexpectedly blocks the hamster's path into its hole, it may rush at the enemy and bite him painfully.

From April to October, females have 2 or 3 broods of 10 to 20 young. During the period of mass reproduction, hamsters cause significant damage to fields, so they have to be exterminated. Animal skins are used as cheap furs.

Rat hamster

The rat-like hamster is found in Primorye, Korea and China. It usually settles in river valleys. The body length of the animal is 18-25 cm. A distinctive feature of this species is its rather a long tail. Its length, equal to 7-10 cm, is usually approximately 2 times less than the length of the animal’s body. The tail is gray-brown in color, with the bottom and tip being lighter than the top. Unlike the longer rat tail, the rat hamster's tail is hairy and does not have transverse rings. This type of rodent differs from water rats and large voles in its large ears and white-colored paws.

Compared to other members of the genus, the rat-like hamster digs the most complex burrows. In its pantries, the animal accumulates large reserves of seeds or grain from nearby fields. He eats this food throughout the winter. In summer, rat-like hamsters eat the seeds of herbaceous plants, as well as greens and animal food. Rodents breed from April to October. During this period, the female manages to feed 2-3 broods, the number of cubs in which sometimes reaches 20, but usually there are from 8 to 10.

Gray hamster

The gray hamster lives in the territory of the European part of Russia north to the Moscow region and the mouth of the Kama and Oka, as well as in the Caucasus and the south of Western Siberia to the foothills of the Altai in the east. Prefers cereal and wormwood steppes, semi-fixed sands, areas of dry mountain steppes, and agricultural lands. Sometimes the animal can be found in urban buildings. The hamster was brought to Moscow, and wild individuals took root in some areas of the city (for example, near the Belorussky railway station).

The gray hamster is a small, short-tailed animal. The length of its body is 9.5-13 cm, and its tail - 2-3.5 cm. The hamster's ears are relatively small, round in shape; pointed muzzle; the feet are slightly pubescent, the digital tubercles are clearly visible on them; the tail is covered with short hairs.

The body color of a gray hamster can be smoky-gray, dark gray or brownish-gray, less often - reddish-sandy. Some individuals have a dark stripe running along the head and tail, colored to match the main color. The fur on the belly is light gray or white, and the fur on the legs is white.

The animal's food consists mainly of immature seeds and inflorescences of wild and cultivated plants. In addition, the hamster feeds on terrestrial mollusks, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and insect larvae.

For the winter, the animals store a lot of food, but in hibernation Only those animals that live in the north of the range and in the high mountain regions fall.

Hamsters breed from April to October. During this period, the female manages to feed 2-3 broods. There are from 3 to 10 cubs in a litter, but most often 7 are born.

Gray hamsters are kept at home. The rules for caring for them are the same as for Syrian hamsters.

The Daurian hamster is found in the steppe and forest-steppe zones in the territory from the Irtysh to Transbaikalia, as well as in the meadows of Southern Primorye. The body length of the animal is from 8 to 13 cm, the tail is 2-3.5 cm. The hamster prefers to make burrows on the edges, in beams, bushes, on the outskirts of fields, and in the sandy steppes it favorite place habitats are thickets of caragana.

The fur of the Daurian hamster is brown or reddish. A black stripe runs along the forehead and along the back of the animal. The abdomen is gray, the ears are edged with white.

The animal feeds on seeds and eats insects. The hamster does not hibernate for the entire winter. Usually he periodically falls asleep for several days, but during periods of wakefulness he almost never leaves the burrow.

Long-tailed hamster

The long-tailed hamster lives in the mountain steppes of Tuva, Sayan and Southwestern Transbaikalia. The animal prefers to settle on rocky mountain slopes, on screes and in rocks. He makes burrows under stones among the rocks.

The body length of a long-tailed hamster is 9-12 cm, the tail is 3-5 cm. The fur of the animal is most often dark gray, sometimes with a reddish mark, and light gray on the abdomen. The ears, like those of the Daurian hamster, are bordered by a thin white stripe. The tail is dark gray above and light gray below.

The long-tailed hamster feeds on plant seeds. He especially loves the seeds of wild almonds, caragana and cereals. Willingly eats animals and insects. In winter, it hibernates only occasionally.

The breeding season for long-tailed hamsters lasts from April to August. The number of cubs in a litter ranges from 4 to 9.

Eversman's Hamster

The habitat of the Eversmann's hamster is quite extensive. The animal is distributed in the territory from the Middle and Lower Volga to the upper reaches of the Lena River in the east and south to the Aral Sea. He prefers to settle in wormwood steppes, salt licks, virgin lands and the outskirts of plowed lands. The hamster never makes its burrows in overly humid places.

The Eversmann's hamster is slightly larger in size than a regular house mouse. He has a very small tail and short legs. The animal's muzzle is slightly pointed, the ears are small, with rounded tips, the soles of the paws are slightly pubescent, with clearly visible digital tubercles, the tail is slightly compacted, covered with thick short and soft hairs, and widens at the base.

The Eversmann hamster is characterized by a variety of colors. The color of the fur on the back varies from black and white to ash-sandy and fawn-red. The pure white color of the abdomen contrasts sharply with the dark fur on the sides. On the neck and between the front legs on the chest there is a clearly defined spot of a brownish or buffy color. The paws and bottom of the tail are white. The hamster's short fur is surprisingly soft and velvety.

The animal feeds mainly on seeds and shoots of cereal grasses, wormwood, saltwort, and tulip bulbs. Occasionally it eats insects and their larvae.

The burrows of the Eversmann hamster are relatively simple. They consist of a main passage, which can be inclined or vertical, and a nesting chamber. Some hamsters break through branching tunnels.

The breeding season for animals begins in April and ends in September. During this time, the female raises 2-3 litters. Each litter has 4-5 cubs. Eversmann's hamsters hibernate in October. It is often intermittent.

Djungarian hamster

The Djungarian hamster belongs to the genus of hairy-footed hamsters. This species has been studied better than others. IN natural conditions The animal is distributed in the steppes and semi-deserts of Western Siberia, Central and Central Asia, as well as in North-East Kazakhstan.

Djungarian hamsters prefer to settle in xerophytic grass-desert, wormwood and cinquefoil steppes without bushes. These animals can also be found in gravelly steppes and semi-fixed sands, and occasionally on cultivated lands. IN last years they have firmly established themselves in the vivariums of scientific institutions and in living corners.

Adult Djungarian hamsters reach a length of 10 cm. The animal has a pointed muzzle and small ears. The soles of the paws are covered thick hair, hiding the digital tubercles. The fur on the back is brownish or buffy-gray. In some animals it is darker on the sides. The abdomen is light. The border between the color of the back and abdomen is clearly expressed. A narrow black stripe runs along the spine of the Djungarian hamster. His paws are white, his ears are also white on the inside and black on the outside.

In summer, the color of the animals becomes grayish. In winter, especially when kept in cool rooms, they become almost white, and the ridge acquires a silver-gray color.

Djungarian hamsters are active at dusk and at night. The animals make burrows with several entrances, holes and a nesting chamber. Animals feed mainly on seeds and green parts of herbaceous plants. They also eat insects. Hamsters store seeds for the winter. They do not hibernate. By November-December, the fur of the animals becomes white, thanks to which they can from time to time get out of their burrows to the surface.

Representatives of the genus of hairy-footed hamsters, which include the Djungarian, Siberian hamsters, and Roborovsky's hamster, are very decorative. These animals have thick fur that covers not only the body, but also the soles of the hind legs. These animals reach only 10 cm in length. They have a very short tail (from 0.8 to 1.5 cm). The ears are black, edged with a white stripe.

The breeding season lasts from March to September. During this time, the female manages to feed 3-4 broods, each of which contains 6-8 (sometimes up to 12) cubs. Hamsters reach sexual maturity very early. Having reached 4 months of age, young animals from the first brood can already reproduce.

Djungarian hamsters are cute, good-natured animals that live well in captivity.

Siberian hamster

The Siberian hamster is very similar in appearance to the Djungarian and belongs to the same genus of hairy-footed hamsters. But his fur is much lighter than that of the Djungarian hamster. In winter it also turns white. The Siberian hamster lives in the dry flat and hilly steppes of Tuva. The animal digs holes the same as Djungarian hamster.

Roborovsky's hamster

Roborovsky's hamster - the third species of the genus of hairy hamsters - lives in weakly fixed sandy deserts overgrown with caragana. This is a very small animal with a short tail, which is almost invisible under its fluffy fur. The hamster has a snub-nosed muzzle, relatively large, rounded ears, and the soles of its paws are densely pubescent. The color of the back is pink-fawn, the abdomen and legs are pure white. There are small white spots above the eyes. Black ears have a white border. There is no stripe on the back.

The food for the Roborovsky hamster is mainly the seeds of beets, caraganas, solyankas, cereals, sedges, and tulip bulbs. The animal catches and eats insects only occasionally.

Hamsters are active at dusk and at night. The burrows in the sand are shallow. They consist of 1-2 passages and a nesting chamber. The breeding season lasts from May to September. During this time, the female brings 3-4 litters, each of which contains from 3 to 9 cubs.

Several years ago, the Roborovsky hamster gained popularity as a pet. This is an ideal pet because it is unpretentious to living conditions and does not require complex care.

At the bottom of the metal cage in which the animal will live, pour a layer of sand 2-3 cm thick, put several stones, moss, hay, thin twigs and place a box where the animal can hide from prying eyes and rest. When sand becomes dirty, replace it with clean sand.

Taylor's dwarf hamster

Taylor's dwarf hamster lives in Arizona, Texas, south-central Mexico, southern Mexico and Central America to Nicaragua. The animals usually live in clearings or grassy edges. They create a network of paths under the thick grass. Rodents make nests in small depressions under the protection of a bush or stone.

Dwarf hamsters feed mainly on plant foods - seeds and shoots of grass, but sometimes they also eat insects. The animals are active at night. The radius of an individual plot for Taylor's hamster is small - about 30 m. There are usually from 15 to 20 individuals per hectare.

The smallest of the mouse-like rodents that live in North and South America are dwarf hamsters. Their body length is only 5-8 cm, the tail is slightly shorter. The weight of adult individuals does not exceed 7~8 g. The back of dwarf hamsters is grayish-brown, and the abdomen is light.

Rodents breed all year round. The female's pregnancy lasts 20 days, after which she gives birth to 1 to 5 cubs (usually 3). In total, one female can feed up to 10 broods per year. Newborn cubs are quite large. Each of them weighs about 1 g. It is interesting that the male of dwarf hamsters does not leave the nest after the birth of the offspring. He stays with the female and even helps her care for the cubs, which is absolutely uncharacteristic for rodents.

After 20 days, the young animals leave the nest and begin to live independently. They reach sexual maturity already at 10 weeks of age.

Dwarf hamsters live and breed well in captivity. These good-natured animals very quickly get used to humans, become tame and very rarely bite. They can be kept in large groups.

Altiplano hamsters

Altiplano hamsters got their name from their habitat. They live on the dry highland plains of the Andes, from southern Bolivia to northern Chile, at an altitude of 4000-4600 m above sea level. They inhabit mainly rocky and rocky areas.

In appearance, these rodents resemble gerbils or mice and rats with well-furred tails. The body length of the animals ranges from 8 to 17 cm. The length of the tail is approximately the same. The thick and soft fur of altiplano hamsters is colored in brownish-yellowish tones. The belly or chest and neck are pure white.

Altiplano hamsters are nocturnal animals. During winter, the animals presumably hibernate, since at this time of year they do not show any signs of activity. The main food for rodents is insects.

Usually altipla hamsters do not make their own burrows. They settle among stones or occupy other people's nests, often expelling the previous owner from them. There are cases of rodents entering human buildings, but human dwellings in such high mountain areas are very rare.

Golden or Syrian hamster

The golden, or Syrian, hamster is one of the best inhabitants of a home living corner. It is unpretentious, hardy and prolific. Moreover it is very funny animal, who will give you a lot of pleasure with his habits. Since, unlike other types of hamsters, it is Syrian hamster gained the greatest popularity as a pet, in what follows we will mainly talk about him.

The golden hamster is a small animal. It is 2 times smaller in size than a rat. This rodent is very similar to an ordinary hamster. But unlike its large and angry relative, which brings a lot of harm to people, the Syrian hamster is a completely harmless creature. In addition to the fact that it has become one of the most desirable inhabitants of living corners, this animal is indispensable as a laboratory animal for a wide variety of scientific research.

The body length of the golden hamster reaches 17-18 cm. It is stocky. The animal's tail is very short. The fur on the back is usually reddish-brown, buffy-brown or golden yellow. It is thick, soft and velvety.

The abdomen is light. Currently, breeders have developed several varieties of the Syrian hamster.

In nature, Syrian hamsters prefer to live in foothill steppe landscapes, meadow steppes and crops. They live alone in burrows, the depth of which reaches 2-2.5 m. Like all their relatives, Syrian hamsters make provisions for the winter. They hibernate at temperatures around 4°C.

In captivity, the Syrian hamster lives a short time - 2-2.5 years, but when good conditions content can last 3 or even 4 years.

Surprisingly, almost half of the species of living mammals are rodents. In terms of numbers, rodents are by far the most successful. These toothy animals have spread throughout to the globe. In terms of the total number of individuals, rodents have superiority over all other mammals.

This is partly explained by the high reproduction rate characteristic of small animals: the house mouse reaches sexual maturity at the age of 5 weeks and can give birth to more than 50 mice within a year. In addition, rodents were able to perfectly adapt to various living conditions. Squirrels get fat by begging in parks. House mice and rats take advantage of the fact that people grow crops and stockpile food. Muskrats and nutria thrive in irrigation canals and artificial reservoirs.

What do rodents eat?

Rodents are primarily herbivores, but some species also consume other foods. Agoutis eat fruits, grass and shellfish. Muskrats periodically eat fish, crayfish and freshwater shellfish. The golden-bellied beaver rat feeds almost exclusively on animal food - snails, fish, mollusks, frogs and even waterfowl.

Mice eat what people intend for themselves. This includes cheese, bread, lard and much more. But in nature, the diet of most mouse species consists of seeds, fruits, plant shoots and insects. Grasshopper hamsters living in North America They hunt scorpions and even other rodents quite well.

In the distant past, some rodents were very large. One of the extinct species of North American beavers was the size of a small baribal bear. South America could boast of a rodent, which, judging by the bones, was no smaller than a wild boar, with a head like a bull. The largest among modern rodents is the South American capybara, whose weight is more than 45 kg, and the length from the tip of the muzzle to the base of the barely noticeable tail is 1.2 m. Beavers reach a length of 90 cm (without tail) and a weight of almost 35 kg. Porcupines and muskrats are slightly smaller. However, most modern rodents, including mice, are small. A small animal requires less food than a large animal and is more likely to survive when food is scarce. A small animal is an easy prey for predators, but it can easily hide. Large animals reach sexual maturity late and give birth to relatively few young. Small ones ripen early and for their short life produce numerous offspring.

Rodent teeth

A distinctive feature of rodents is that their protruding, chisel-shaped incisors grow throughout their lives. Latin name of this animal species Rodentia means "those who gnaw". Rodents chew for two reasons: firstly, to eat, and secondly, to prevent their incisors from growing too much. If the teeth are not worn down, they will eventually become embedded in the opposite jaw. Rodents' teeth are very strong. Rats and mice can even chew through concrete.

However, not every animal with chisel-shaped incisors can be classified as a rodent. Many mouse-like animals, such as shrews and moles, are not rodents either. They have a completely different dental system, and they feed exclusively on animal food. Rodents, as a rule, eat plant foods.

Voice of rodents

The squirrel chirps in a high voice, the mouse squeaks, the porcupine grumbles when meeting an enemy, and grunts in other cases. The capybara also grunts like a pig, and when satisfied, it clicks quietly. The tuco-tuco, which lives in South America, makes sounds similar to its name when digging a hole.

Other rodents communicate using other sounds. Prairie dogs announce danger with a high-pitched bark. The gray-haired marmot, found in the northern Rocky Mountains, makes a whistle that can be heard 1.5 km away. Some rodents grind their teeth loudly in irritation. The shaggy hamster from East Africa begins to grind its teeth even if you just look at it. And the already mentioned grasshopper hamsters sometimes stand on hind legs and howl like miniature wolves. Reed rats, going out at night in search of food, continuously emit a metallic “bang” sound.

RODENTS RODENTS

(Rodentia), order of mammals. Known since the beginning of the Paleocene. They arose in the Cretaceous era, possibly from common ancestors with insectivores. Dl. bodies from 5 cm (mouse) to 130 cm (capybara), weight from 6 to 60 kg. The forelimbs are 5- or 4-toed, the hind limbs are 3-, 4-, 5-toed. The large hemispheres of the brain are usually smooth, thermoregulation is imperfect. 2 pairs avg. The incisors are greatly enlarged, constantly growing and self-sharpening when worn. There are no fangs. There is a large diastema between the incisors and molars. The squad system has not been fully developed. Previously, lagomorphs, now classified as a special order, were classified as G. More than 40 families, including St. 30 modern, approx. 1600 species (according to other sources, approx. 2000). Distributed everywhere; in the USSR - 14-15 sem., Tue. Part 11 modern: flying squirrels, squirrels, beavers (units, genus - beavers), hamsters, mole rats, mice, dormouse, jerboa, etc., total approx. 150 species, which is more than half of the mammal species of the USSR fauna. Naib are diverse and numerous in open temperate and subtropical landscapes. belts, especially in arid zones. Many lead a semi-underground lifestyle, feeding on the surface. The digging activity of soil significantly influences soil formation, increasing the productivity of vegetation. Prem. herbivores, some omnivores, insectivores and piscivores. The lifespan of small G. is 1.5-2 years, large (marmots, beavers) - 4-7 years. Puberty in small G. occurs at 2-3 months, in large ones - in the 2nd year of life. The number of small animals (mice, voles), which give birth to 8-15 young up to 6-8 times a year, can increase 100 times or more in hot years, which causes damage to the countryside. x-wu. Mn. G. (for example, marmots, gophers) are carriers of pathogens of a number of diseases dangerous to humans. Squirrel, muskrat and nugria are valuable objects of the fur trade. Mn. mouse-like animals are the main source of food for commercial fur-bearing animals. 2 species and 5 subspecies in the Red Books of the IUCN and the USSR.

Rodents. Sem. squirrel: 1 - common squirrel(Sciurus vulgaris); 2 - thin-toed ground squirrel (Spermophilopsis leptodactylus); 3 - chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus); 4 - speckled gopher (Citellus suslicus); 5 - Mexican prairie dog(Cynomys mexicanus); 6 - Menzbier's marmot (Marmota menzbieri). Sem. flying squirrels: 7 - flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Sem. gopheraceae: S - lowland gopher (Geomys bursarius). Sem. beavers: 9 - beaver (Castor fiber). Sem. long-legged: 10 - long-legged (Pedetes cafer). Sem. hamsters: 11 - common hamster(Cricetus cricetus); 12 - Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus); 13 - common zokor (Myos-palax myospalax); 14 - common vole(Microtus arvalis); 15 - hoofed lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus); 16 - Siberian lemming (Lemrnus sibiricus); 17 - water vole(Arvicola terrestris); 18 - common mole vole (Ellobius talpinus); 19 - great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus). Sem. mole rats: 20 - common mole rat (Spalax microphthalmus). Sem. mouse: 21 - baby mouse (Micromys minutus); 22 - pasyuk (Rattus norvegicus). Sem. dormouse: 23 - garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus). Sem. Seleviniaceae: 24 - Selevinia bet-pakdalensis. Sem. mouse-like: 25 - wood mouse (Sicista betulina). Sem. jerboa: 26 - fat-tailed jerboa (Pygerethmus platyurus); 27 - large jerboa (Allactaga major). Sem. porcupines: 28 - Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica). Sem. Amer. porcupines: 29 - prehensile-tailed porcupine (Coendou prehensillis). Sem. piggy: 30 - guinea pig (Cavia porcellus); 31 - Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagona). Sem. capybara: 32 - capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Sem. chinchilla: 33 - chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger); 34 - whiskey (Lagostomus maximus). Sem. nutria: 35 - nutria (Myocastor coypus).

.(Source: “Biological Encyclopedic Dictionary.” Editor-in-chief M. S. Gilyarov; Editorial Board: A. A. Babaev, G. G. Vinberg, G. A. Zavarzin and others - 2nd ed., corrected - M.: Sov. Encyclopedia, 1986.)

rodents

One of the largest orders of mammals. Includes 33-40 families, 380-400 genera, approx. 2500 species (about half of the total number of mammal species). Dl. bodies from 5 cm (mouse) to 130 cm ( capybaras, the largest representatives of the order).
The name of the order is associated with a feature characteristic of all rodents - the strong development of the front teeth - incisors, which are used for feeding, digging holes, defense and attack. These teeth are constantly growing and have a special structure, thanks to which they are sharpened throughout their lives. Representatives of the order are diverse in body structure, size of limbs, ears, tail, as well as in lifestyle, nutrition, social organization and reproduction. Hairline well developed, in some species the hair is turned into needles.
Rodents include: beavers, chipmunks, mice, rats, lemmings, flying squirrels, Guinea pigs, nutria, muskrats, voles, marmots, ground squirrels, jerboas, porcupines, naked mole rat, chinchilla etc. They inhabit all continents, except Antarctica, and inhabit all habitats. As a rule, they are very prolific. They play a huge role in the life of nature and humans. They are the most important food supply for many predators. Among the rodents there are fur-bearing and hunting species, pests Agriculture and vectors the most dangerous diseases, domestic and laboratory animals. OK. 50 species of rodents are included in the Red Books of the IUCN and Russia.

.(Source: “Biology. Modern illustrated encyclopedia.” Chief editor A. P. Gorkin; M.: Rosman, 2006.)

See what "RODENTS" are in other dictionaries:

Rodents Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibi ... Wikipedia

The most numerous order of mammals with about 1.6 thousand species (over 1/3 of all mammals). 33 families: flying squirrels, squirrels, porcupines, dormouse, jerboas, mole rats, mice, etc. The teeth are adapted to feeding on solid plant foods. Incisors... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

RODENTS

Rodents- Rodents. Rodents: 1 chipmunk; 2 forest dormouse; 3 thin-toed ground squirrel; 4 squirrels; 5 red rat (pasyuk); 6 black rat; 7 common hamster; 8 house mouse; 9 small jerboa; 10 … … Veterinary encyclopedic dictionary

Rodents- Rodents. Hamster. RODENTS, order of mammals. About 1.6 thousand species (over 1/3 of all mammals), including flying squirrels, squirrels, porcupines, dormice, jerboas, hamsters, mice, etc. The teeth are adapted to feeding on solid plant foods. Strongly… … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

RODENTS, order of mammals. About 1.6 thousand species (over 1/3 of all mammals), including flying squirrels, squirrels, porcupines, dormice, jerboas, hamsters, mice, etc. The teeth are adapted to feeding on solid plant foods. The incisors are highly developed... Modern encyclopedia

The most numerous order of mammals is ca. 1.6 thousand species (over 1/3 of all mammals). 33 families: flying squirrels, squirrels, porcupines, dormouse, jerboas, mole rats, mice, etc. The teeth are adapted to feeding on solid plant foods. The incisors are very... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

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RODENTS- (Rodentia), order of mammals, b. including small or medium sizes; herbivorous. Of the teeth, the incisors are especially strongly developed, which are worn away when gnawing food, but have unlimited growth; there are no fangs at all; molars with folded... ... Great Medical Encyclopedia

Rodents- Rodents, the most numerous order of animals among mammals, with about 1,600 species. They are divided into 32 families, including squirrels, mice, dormouse, jerboas, mole rats, etc. Distributed throughout the globe, some … … Encyclopedia "Animals in the House"

At least once in his life, every person has caught himself thinking about the need to have a pet. However, lack of space or time often forces you to postpone the purchase of a cat or dog indefinitely. For those who have little free time and are afraid of clutter, purchasing a pet rodent is an excellent solution.

Popular pet rodents

Domestic rodents are very popular pets, especially among children. However, before buying an animal, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of each animal and choose the perfect little friend for yourself.

Hamsters are perhaps the most popular domestic rodents and this is not strange, because they are extremely unpretentious cute animals. These rodents come in two types: regular (large) and dwarf. The color of the animal depends on its breed and habitat and varies from gray to brown tones. It is customary to get hamsters one at a time, because this is how they live in the wild, and therefore a companion will always be perceived as a competitor, even if they are of different sexes.

Important! A hamster will not immediately become a tame animal. However, it is very easy to gain his trust thanks to treats that must be given from hand to paw.

Guinea pigs are also quite common as pets. This cute large rodent has many colors and most often the animal’s fur coat combines several colors at once in the form of shapeless spots.

Pigs are very sociable animals that are always happy to see their owner and willingly show him their feelings. They say that if something happens to the owner, the little friend knows how to sympathize. And making your pet happy in return is quite simple: pigs cannot tolerate loneliness, so it is better to buy a pair at once, and to avoid the appearance of unwanted offspring, a same-sex one.
It is important to remember that this animal is very emotional and with any sharp sound or severe stress, the pig’s heart can literally burst.

Decorative rabbits have been very popular since the last century. It is a domesticated relative of the wild European rabbit.

Did you know?Spine mice, which live in the Middle East and Africa, have unique regenerative abilities for mammals: in case of danger, they shed their skin, which then grows back along with their fur.

Long ears, a cute face and a variety of colors depending on the breed will not leave anyone indifferent. The owners of these animals will literally melt with emotion when interacting with rabbits, because the character of this animal is very friendly and is almost never aggressive.

Rabbits live best alone, but if there is a desire to have offspring, then it is better to keep the female and male apart from each other.
Oddly enough, rabbits are very loyal animals, but for this the owner needs to give the animal a large number of time to endlessly pet and treat your pet. If desired, these animals can be trained, but this must be done in the form of a game.

Chinchillas have become popular relatively recently. These incredible animals come from America, but, unfortunately, in many countries they are bred for commercial purposes - fur coats are made from their fur. But many people have this animal as a pet and often buy them a couple or more, because these rodents are incredibly cute, friendly and it’s a real pleasure to watch them play.

Chinchillas come in several colors: the most popular are gray and black, the rarer ones are white and beige. The character of this rodent depends on whether it was born in a family or on a farm, because an animal that communicates with people from childhood will be open and curious, while one that lived only among its fellows will be quiet and secretive.

Important!Chinchillas really don't like being squeezed against their will. If an animal wants affection, it will easily let you know, and if you forcefully try to restrain it, you can get a well-aimed stream of urine (this is how the animal expresses its dissatisfaction).

Chipmunks are rare in pet stores in Russia and Ukraine, but if you really want to, you can buy them on special farms. These babies are very similar to squirrels, but they have five characteristic black stripes on their backs, making it simply impossible to confuse a chipmunk with any other rodent.

Chipmunks are very sociable, active pets; they are often not afraid of humans if he behaves quietly, carefully and without sudden movements. It is quite simple to tame a baby: you need to constantly give him treats and always from your hands, then he will remember that a person does not pose a threat to him, but, on the contrary, is a source of food.

You need to be prepared for the fact that chipmunks love to stockpile, and therefore, even after having a hearty lunch, this sly one will beg for more nuts and other goodies.

Many people do not like rats because they think that these animals carry dirt and dangerous infections. This is true, but this does not apply to decorative (domestic) rats. These animals are extremely clean and tidy, they know where their home is, and can even carry out many commands. Rats are animals that are distinguished by their intelligence and intelligence. They know their nickname and easily remember the command “come to me” or “no”.

There are many colors of these animals, but the most popular are albino rats (white with red eyes).

Important! A serious drawback of this pet is its rather short term his life is 2-3 years.

The Chilean degu squirrel is a representative of South American rodents. The appearance of this animal combines several of its fellows: squirrel, chinchilla and jerboa. The coat color is usually dark or light brown, less often gray.
These squirrels are very popular as pets because they are extremely friendly., quickly become attached to a person and become true friends. With proper upbringing, degus can be trained.

Get a degu better in pairs, because in the wild they live in families. The ideal option would be to purchase from two to five individuals.

The gerbil is a small rodent with a long, hairy tail. The color of this animal is very diverse: from light to dark tones of brown. This animal is very active and inquisitive, and caring for it will not be difficult.

Gerbils in the wild move quickly so as not to become prey for snakes, and therefore, if you want to release the baby, you need to prepare the room well (hide all objects that can be chewed and close all cracks).

Did you know? Many species of mice lack collarbones, so the animals can crawl into rather narrow places.

Features of caring for pet rodents

Despite the fact that rodents are one of the most unpretentious animals, each animal has certain needs and care characteristics that must be taken into account.

Climatic conditions

People are used to thinking that room temperature is optimal for all animals, and they feel comfortable in it, but this is not entirely true. Most pet rodents love warmth. Hamsters and mice will feel great in a room with a temperature of 24...25 degrees. But guinea pigs need a stable 20...22 degrees, otherwise they will often get sick.

Rabbits and chinchillas are relatively unpretentious; any temperature in the apartment is suitable for them, but drafts are extremely undesirable for these pets. The chipmunk, being a tropical rodent, loves warmth and also does not tolerate drafts.

Housing requirements

Rodents can be roughly divided into those that are terrestrial and those that jump in trees. Depending on this, you need to equip your pet’s home.

Hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils do not require special conditions. A small metal cage is suitable for them, but it is advisable that it has a couple of floors (the animal cannot sit in one place). You also need to buy a wooden house (or make it out of cardboard) and a wheel in which the fluffy can warm up.
Rabbits can live in small enclosures, but they must be given time to roam around the room. If locked up, this animal will quickly wither away.

Chinchillas and squirrels are skilled jumpers. They need tall cages with wooden shelves (shelves) at different heights on which they can jump back and forth. A tall cage with a house and a wheel will also suit a chipmunk.

Important! Since all these animals are not called rodents for nothing, it is important that the walls of the home are not made of painted or chemically treated material, since the animal can simply get poisoned and die.

Nutrition

Most rodents can do just fine with food sold in a pet store, because it is balanced and contains all the microelements necessary for health and life. However, kids need to be pampered with something. For example, raw carrots and dried apples will not harm your pet, but cabbage should be avoided. Dried fruits are suitable for both large and small rodents (except raisins).

Also, various nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews) will be an excellent treat (especially for squirrels and chipmunks). The main thing is that the nuts must be raw, and in no case fried. Chocolate is contraindicated for all rodents, especially those who hide food in their sinuses.

Rodent in the house: is it worth getting a pet?

If a child asks for a pet, and a cat or dog is too troublesome, a rodent will be an excellent alternative.

Advantages

Among positive aspects keeping rodents at home can be noted:

1. The main advantage of rodents is their hypoallergenicity, because most of them do not cause allergies at all. For example, the chinchilla is one of the few animals that sheds hair, but does not cause hair loss. allergic reactions even the most severe allergy sufferers.
2. The rodent takes up little space and does not require round-the-clock care.
3. All animals choose a place for themselves “for the toilet” and do not shit anywhere.
4. Pets will quickly become tame if you give them as much free time as possible during the first few days.
5. It's a pleasure to watch these adorable kids play.

Did you know? The world's largest rodent is the capybara. Its weight can reach 91 kilograms.

Flaws

There are also some unpleasant moments:

1. The main disadvantage of a rodent is its natural reflex to chew on everything. When releasing your pet, you need to make sure that wires and other important objects are not accessible to him.
2. Not all cage inhabitants can boast of high intelligence.
3. These mammals have a very short life span.

So, having studied the lifestyle and character of all domestic gnawing mammals, we can conclude that these animals are an excellent alternative for those who want to make a friend and do not have the opportunity to constantly go for a walk or clean the litter box. A pet rodent is a guarantee good mood, and even a child can take care of it.

Rodents are the most numerous and widespread order of mammals. It includes about 1,600 species, which accounts for more than 40% of the total world mammal fauna. The origin of rodents is associated with primitive insectivores.

Rodents are distributed throughout the globe (except for Antarctica and some oceanic islands). They are found in various zones, altitude zones and landscapes. In many places, rodents settled after humans.

Most rodents are small and medium-sized animals that feed mainly or exclusively on plant foods. Large forms are few among them. Their original dental apparatus: no fangs, one incisor in each half of the jaw, very developed; Animals use them to bite grass, bark, or remove seeds. Molars have a flat chewing surface with tubercles or loops of enamel and many do not have roots. Incisors and molars grow throughout life.

Rodents have long intestine and developed cecum, performing the role of " fermentation tank" It is especially highly developed in species that feed on grass and tree bark (for example, voles). On the contrary, mice, feeding mainly on seeds, the cecum is less developed.

Most species are characterized by the ability to reproduce quickly, which is associated with early puberty and a large number of cubs born.

Rodents are of very great practical importance. Many species are important objects of the fur trade. Among rodents there are many agricultural pests and species that spread dangerous diseases, for example, plague.

The breadth of distribution and diversity of living conditions determined the large systematic and ecological diversity of rodents. Among them there are terrestrial, underground, arboreal and semi-aquatic species.

There are about 35 families in the order.

Extensive family squirrel (Sciuridae) includes protein, chipmunks, gophers And marmots.

Squirrels- arboreal representatives of the family, common in the forests of Eurasia and North America, more than 150 species in total. IN forest areas Russia lives common squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). It was artificially acclimatized in the Crimea, the Caucasus and Tien Shan.

Squirrels- animals are mobile. They live in hollows in trees or make nests on branches (“ gayno"). They breed more than twice a year and give birth to up to 10 young. They do not hibernate for the winter, but the color of their skin changes - the squirrel turns from red to gray. Over its vast range, the color of the common squirrel's summer coat varies from red (in the west) to black (in the east).

They feed mainly on the seeds of coniferous trees, less often on berries and mushrooms. Due to the variability of the conifer seed harvest, the number of squirrels varies greatly from year to year. In years with little food, squirrels wander widely in search of food and often run into the vicinity of villages, parks and gardens. Squirrel – important view in the Russian fur trade.

Close to squirrels chipmunks (Tamias), inhabitants of coniferous, mixed and partly deciduous forests of the Old and New Worlds. Most species are common in North America. Their lifestyle is mainly terrestrial; they climb trees well and hide in burrows. They hibernate during the winter. Lives in Russia asian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus), it inhabits the forests of Siberia and the North-Eastern part of Europe. It differs from the squirrel in its smaller size, striped color and less fluffy tail.

The terrestrial group of the family is represented by numerous species gophers And marmots. They are common in steppe and mountain regions. All species live in burrows, usually in colonies. Unlike squirrels, they breed once a year. They feed on grass and seeds, mainly cereals. Most species cause damage to grain crops and are being combated. In addition, gophers and marmots spread dangerous diseases, such as plague and tularemia. They hibernate during the winter. In most species it begins in the second half of summer. Associated with drying out of forage vegetation. Particularly long hibernation, about 8 months, is observed in yellow gopher (Citellus fulvus), inhabiting the Volga and Kazakhstan steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia. This gopher usually lives far from crops and is not a serious agricultural pest. Its fur is valued higher than that of other species.

In the steppes of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, in Kazakhstan it is widespread small gopher (C. pigmaeus); in the European part of our country (east to the Volga) it is also common speckled ground squirrel (C. suslicus).

Similar in lifestyle to gophers prairie dogs (Gynomys), living in the desert-steppe landscapes of the plains and foothills of North and Central America. They live in burrows in large communities of several thousand individuals, where a complex group structure of relationships develops. Like gophers and marmots, often rise on their hind legs and scream when in danger.

In the steppes of South-Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan, Western Siberia and in the mountains of Central Asia and Siberia they are common marmots. Systematically and biologically, they are similar to ground squirrels, but differ in significantly larger sizes. Typical view bobak (Marmota bobac).

Representatives of another family are close to squirrels - flying squirrels (Pteromyidae). They are common in northeastern Europe, throughout Asia, North and Central America and inhabit tall forests in temperate and tropical zones.

We have one species in the forests of Europe and Siberia - common flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). The flying squirrel is active at dusk and at night. Spends the day in a hollow. With the help of a flying membrane located between the front and hind legs, the flying squirrel makes gliding jumps from tree to tree up to 50 m long.

Externally similar to squirrels and species of the family dormouse (Gliridae). These small arboreal animals are distributed mainly in the deciduous forests of Europe, Central and South Asia. Unlike squirrels, they hibernate during the winter and easily fall asleep when the temperature drops steadily. The largest species is the dormouse ( Glis glis), a small animal (body length 15–20 cm, weight 150–180 g) with a fluffy tail, often lives in gardens and causes harm by eating fruits. Known forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), hazel (Muscardinus avellanarius), garden (Eliomys quercinus).

Family beavers (Castoridae) contains only two species, one of which ( Castor canadensis) is common in North America, the other ( C. fiber) – in Europe and Asia. These are large (up to 30 kg) rodents with a massive body and flattened tail. The toes of the hind legs are connected by a swimming membrane. Beaver fur with a thick undercoat and rough awns is beautiful and waterproof. The beaver lubricates him with secretion anal glands.

They live in colonies along forest rivers. The dwellings are made from branches and sections of tree trunks. huts And burrows. Settling on the river, beavers are building on it dams, raising the water level and making it relatively constant. They eat in summer herbaceous plants. In winter - bark and branches of trees. For the winter, they stock up on twig food, which is placed in the water near the home. They breed once a year, bringing 2–4 cubs. They become sexually mature in the third year of life.

In past Euro-Asian beaver was numerous and found in many regions of Europe and Siberia, spreading to the forest-tundra in the north and semi-deserts in the south. On the territory of Russia in the 19th century. it was exterminated almost everywhere. Currently, thanks to protection and artificial resettlement undertaken in the mid-20th century. The number of beavers in Russia has increased markedly, and they are found in many areas. The habitat has been restored and Canadian beaver.

Family jerboas (Dipodidae) unites peculiar desert and steppe rodents, possessing (in most cases) very long hind legs and short front legs. The tail is long, often with a tassel at the end. They move very quickly by jumping only on their hind legs, which is very important when living in the desert with its sparse vegetation and meager food supply. Some species damage plantings of melons and industrial crops. They hibernate during the winter. The largest of all species of the family big jerboa, or earth hare (Allactaga major) (body length 19 – 26 cm, tail – 30 cm).

In total, 26 species of jerboas are known. Their distribution covers the desert regions of North Africa, Southeast Europe, Asia Minor and Western Asia, Transcaucasia, Central Asia to Northeast China and Mongolia.

Animals from the family porcupines (Hystricidae) (13 species) are distributed throughout almost all of Africa, the Mediterranean, Western Asia, Asia Minor and South Asia. Along the southern borders of Russia, in Eastern Transcaucasia and in the foothills of Central Asia, one species is widespread - Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica), the largest of the Eurasian rodent species. The back, sides and tail are covered with needles, the lower surface of the body is covered with hair.

Lives in burrows, often in gardens. In some places it harms melon trees. Nocturnal lifestyle. A disturbed porcupine bristles and rustles loudly tail rattle. While running away, it can suddenly stop and plunge needles into the attacker. The idea that a porcupine can arbitrarily throw its quills far away is incorrect.

The family should be mentioned capybaras (Hyarochoeridae). Capybara, or capybara (Hadrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest species of rodents: body length about 1.5 m and weight 50 – 60 kg. It is distributed in South and Central America, where it lives in low-lying, high-grass areas along river banks.

To the family c wine (Caviidae) belong to the animals known as domestic guinea pigs. Type of pig – Cavia porcellus porcellus well known as an inhabitant of living corners of schools, kindergartens and as a laboratory animal. In nature, they live in small groups among grass and bushes and build burrows.

To the family Khutievs (Capromyidae) belongs to the well-known in Russia nutria (Myocastor coypus). Her homeland is South America. However, in the 20th century. nutria was introduced into Europe and North America. Lives in Transcaucasia and is successfully bred in fur farms in Russia.

Very peculiar, specialized rodents leading an underground lifestyle are united by a family mole rats (Spalacidae). They have a ridged body, without a pronounced neck, a flattened head, short legs, eyes hidden under the skin, no auricles, the fur is low, velvety. Mole rats dig the ground with their incisors and throw it out with their heads. The lateral folds of the lips behind the incisors close and tightly close the mouth. They feed on underground parts of plants and, in search of food, construct very complex structures. move system. Distributed in the steppes of the European part of Russia and the Caucasus. In some places they harm agriculture.

A deep specialization for the underground burrowing lifestyle was revealed in naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) from the family diggers (Bathyergidae), living in savannas and semi-deserts of Central Africa (Somalia), digger It has a short(up to 9 cm), hairless body. Under the ground, it digs underground tunnels up to 40 m long with its incisors and head. The animals live in clusters of up to 30 and even 100 individuals and have a complex family-group hierarchy.

Family mouse (Muridae) is the largest group of rodents, distributed almost throughout the globe. Most species are small animals that live in burrows. The food is mainly plant-based; some species sometimes eat small animals, such as insects. Characterized by very high fertility and early puberty. At favorable conditions some species are able to reproduce all year round. Among mice there are species that significantly damage crops and food supplies. Some are of epidemiological importance. Largest number of species rats(kind of Rattus) are common in tropical Africa and South Asia. Widely known and distributed gray rat, or Pasyuk (R. norvegicus), which followed man throughout the entire globe, except for Antarctica and some oceanic islands. They live more often in buildings, but sometimes far from housing. The harm caused by rats is well known.

Ubiquitous mice: in human settlements – house mouse (Mus muscle), in natural areas corresponding to the names harvest mouse (Apodemus agrarius) And wood mouse (A. sylvaticus). They differ from mice in their short tail and the structure of their molars - voles: gray (genus Microtus), redheads (genus Clethrionomys). They are widespread everywhere. Peculiar animals live in the tundra of the Arctic lemmings(genus Lemmus), some of them turn white in winter.

Voles also include muskrat (Muskrat zibethica) is a large rodent with valuable fur. The homeland of the muskrat is North America. During the 20th century. The muskrat was acclimatized in Western Europe and Russia and settled in water bodies almost everywhere. This is a semi-aquatic animal that lives in ponds overgrown with vegetation. Muskrat occupies structures made of grass and earth huts or does burrows. Feeds on aquatic vegetation. Like all mouse species, the muskrat quickly reaches sexual maturity and actively reproduces, bearing 4 to 12 cubs 2–4 times a year. After acclimatization The muskrat has become one of the most important fur-bearing animals in Russia.

TO voles numerous close hamsters. They are one family with them hamsters (Cricetidae). Well known, kept in captivity, gray hamster (Cricetulus migratorius), Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus).

Big ones live in deserts gerbils (Rhombomys opimus). They are distinguished by their relatively large size and long drooping tail. They settle in colonies, building complex underground cities.