Chromosome-level genome of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and its genome-wide population structure across Western Europe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) was once a pest on European farmland, but its numbers have declined dramatically in recent decades, making it a critically endangered species throughout Europe and beyond. While it is strictly protected by EU law and several conservations, breeding and release programs have been initiated, and little is known about the level of genetic erosion and inbreeding on a European scale.

Results

Here, we present a chromosome-level de novo genome of a female hamster and a first population genomic analysis from the western range of the species' distribution, using Illumina short reads (10 × coverage) from 34 individuals. The genome is 2.89 Gbp long, with 11 chromosome-level scaffolds and around 600 unplaced scaffolds and scaffolds N50

SUBMITTER: Reiners TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12439417 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature