Different types of marking behavior observed in the wild during the breeding period of the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus, cricetidae, rodentia)

Abstract

The marking behavior of the common hamster, Cricetus cricetus in the wild was recorded using camera traps and handheld video in the N.I. Bagrov Botanical Garden, Simferopol, Crimea. We described the following types of scent marking: with flank glands (in particular, compass-like movements in the grass and rubbing on a stone), midventral gland marking, etc. The variety of marking behavior types on different substrates may contribute to a more efficient use of olfactory signals in maintaining the social structure of the common hamster, which is notably important at high population densities in urban areas.