Climate disturbances during critical periods pose risks to European hamster conservation efforts

Aim

Long-term population studies provide invaluable insights into natural variability, particularly in ecology and conservation. We reconstruct the 31-year dynamics of the European hamster population in a vast area within Central Europe. We identify key meteorological factors influencing population dynamics and project the potential impact of climate change on their conservation.

Location

Poland.

Methods

As an indicator of hamster population changes, we utilized data on the prey of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) collected over 31 years (1993–2023) in the geographical region where the European hamster coexists. The reliability of ornithological data was validated.

Results

Meteorological factors play a critical role in driving hamster population changes. We found a strong correlation between population growth and warm weather patterns in October and November, as well as favourable conditions in March of the following year. These weather patterns allow hamsters to store larger food supplies and enter hibernation in better physiological condition, resulting in improved habitat and nutritional conditions upon emergence from hibernation in spring.

Main Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of considering meteorological factors in conservation risk assessments, especially when planning and evaluating hamster reintroduction programmes. The significant influence of meteorological conditions raises concerns about the future prospects of this species in the context of ongoing climate change. Disturbances during critical hamster periods, including unseasonal and prolonged temperature drops in spring following relatively warm winters, pose substantial risks to conservation efforts.