Distribution, population dynamics, and current status of the grey dwarf hamster (Cricetulus migratorius (Pallas, 1773)) in the Martakert and Varnkatagh communities of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Abstract

The rodent fauna of the South Caucasus, including Nagorno-Karabakh, has remained largely underexplored for many years. Comprehensive data on the distribution, ecology, population dynamics, and biology of rodents, particularly the grey dwarf hamster, are still lacking. To address this gap, we selected the grey dwarf hamster as the focal species of our study, concentrating on specific areas within the Martakert community, including its regional center and parts of the Varnkatagh community. These areas have been impacted by both agricultural activities and military operations. Agricultural work exerts a dual impact on the grey dwarf hamster population: on the one hand, it negatively affects and reduces their numbers; on the other hand, it can create favorable feeding conditions that promote their growth and development. Military operations have had a devastating effect, irreversibly destroying the habitats of these animals and leading to significant population declines, contributing to the risk of local extinction. Our study is based on long-term field observations conducted in the Martakert and Varnkatagh communities between 1999 and 2023. Over this period, a total of 11,855 small mammals were captured, including 2,875 grey dwarf hamsters.