Reintroduction Project: Field Hamsters Are Breeding

One year after the official launch of a project to release field hamsters into the wild in Northern Saxony, those involved are reporting positive interim results. The released animals have reproduced and spread throughout the area, according to the State Environmental Agency. In addition, more and more hamsters are being bred. A new breeding station will further expand capacity.

The released field hamsters are being monitored using wildlife cameras, among other methods. A comprehensive monitoring program is currently underway to scientifically evaluate the project’s success. In many regions of Germany, the field hamster is considered threatened with extinction or even already extinct.

More than 300 field hamsters released into the wild

During a pilot phase in 2024–25, a total of 250 field hamsters were released into fields near Delitzsch; another 93 were added this year. The animals are bred at the Leipzig Zoo and partner facilities. In collaboration with farmers, field-hamster-friendly crop cultivation methods are also being tested. The goal of the project is to establish a self-sustaining field hamster population in Northern Saxony by 2031.

The “LIFE4HamsterSaxony” project began in October 2025 and will run until the end of 2031. The total cost amounts to 12.2 million euros. The EU is funding 75 percent of the project; the remainder is being covered by the Free State of Saxony, the Leipzig Zoo, and the district of Northern Saxony.