Talk:Golden Hamster

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[edit] Closing move discussion

Why was the discussion closed? I would hardly consider a single vote to move and a single weak oppose to indicate a consensus was reached to not move the article. --Aranae 16:38, 28 March 2006 (UTC)

Agreed. Wouldn't they just cancel each other out?

Even though the discussion is closed, obviously the weak oppose person wasn't looking at sources that considered pet hamsters. Wild Syrians are all golden because that is their color in the wild as well. But this page encompasses all Syrians, including pet ones (especially since they are probably extinct in the wild). If you look at pet hamster resources, especially for hamster breeders, fanciers, and show-ers, they are always called Syrians unless actually golden in coat pattern.

Hamsteries:

http://hometown.aol.com/TheRiverRd/

http://www.citadellets.com/

http://www.rainbowhamstery.co.uk/

http://www.jeremiahhamstery.co.uk/list.php?FA=1&FB=1

Hamster societies and associations (for hamster shows--like dog clubs that host dog shows, but for hamsters):

http://www.midlandhamsterclub.co.uk/

http://www.hamsters-uk.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=35&page=1

http://www.hamsoc.org.uk/varieties.php

Pet:

http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_species.htm

As you can see, this type of hamster, when considered as pets, are called Syrians, while "Golden" is an alternate name or a specific coloring. And seeing as pretty much ALL animals of this type are in captivity today as they have not been seen in decades in the wild, it is more sensible to name this article with the more commonly used name. (unsigned post by 141.211.173.150)

My interest in the page is from more of a scientific research perspective. I don't have much interest in the pet side of things, but recognize that that is probably what most readers will be here for. That's the reason for the "weak" in front of my "oppose" vote. I think we should consider the discussion still open and encourage others to continue the discussion and perhaps vote. My vote remains weak oppose and I'd argue a solid vote in support for the move should count for more than my vote against it. --Aranae 07:02, 30 March 2006 (UTC)

Alright. My argument remains that "Syrian" is by far the more widely used and popular name even though they are both alternate names for the same animal. Also, the only known continuation of the species today comes from breeders and/or hamster fanciers, who use the term "Syrian" as well. For all intents and purposes the wild "Golden hamster" probably does not exist anymore, and so with all remaining "golden hamsters" mostly being called "Syrians" by those who breed and own them, "Syrian hamster" would be the more sensible title for the page.

Here's a good page by the Hamster Society, affiliated with the British Hamster Society:

http://www.hamsoc.org.uk/varieties.php?id=golden " Syrian hamsters were brought to the UK in 1931. To begin with, golden was the only colour, but new varieties soon appeared. Although the terms "golden hamster" and "Syrian hamster" have been used interchangably, "golden" should apply only to the original wild (or Agouti) colour. A good example of a modern golden hamster is more akin to deep mahogany red than golden." If an organization makes itself the accepted authority for the development of an arguably extinct species, wouldn't you say that makes a pretty good source?

I agree this article should be under Syrian Hamster not Golden Hamster. Golden Hamster makes it sound like it just includes hamsters that are actually golden, or that there aren't other color varieties. And like some of the last people said, most people call them Syrian Hamsters now, so this article should too.

[edit] Alien Hamster

I'm considering adding a line or two about "alien hamsters" (hairless syrians). It's a rather detrimental mutation (along with no hair, females can't lactate) and are very carefully bred with haired parents that carry the gene. But they are somewhat more of a novelty and can't stand alone as a breed (due to females basically being unable to rear young). Any thoughts?

[edit] Endangered species?

Why? There are a lot of them, most of them as pets I know, but I bet that they could do well if released in the wild. Cuzandor 23:47, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

The golden hamster is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future in their native Syria.

The IUCN lists it as EN B1+2c [1]:

Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than 100 km² or area of occupancy estimated to be less than 10 km², and estimates indicating the following:

• Severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location.
• Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in area, extent and/or quality of habitat.

—Pengo 22:49, 11 June 2006 (UTC)

Then what if someone releases his/her pet hamsters into Syria? Cuzandor 00:48, 16 June 2006 (UTC)

That would be very wrong to do. They are different to their wild ancestors. They have long been kept in laboratoriums and as pets. Selection by humans has changed them. It would polute the wild gene pool. Peter Maas 08:58, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Just added information of wild Syrian hamsters caught in 1997 and 1999 that now are in Germany to form a new breeding stock. After successfull breeding their offspring could be released agian into the wild. Peter Maas 14:32, 28 October 2006 (UTC)