The hamster, the emblem of a major scientific conference, has come down from the banners for its own mini-exhibition! Our institute has opened a cozy exhibit dedicated entirely to common and Palearctic hamsters as part of the "Mammals in a Changing World" conference.
It features everything from scientific books and detailed drawings to amusing figurines, plush toys, and even rattles. The goal is to showcase the multifaceted nature of these animals: from a subject of intense biologist study to a beloved character in books and souvenirs.
"We wanted to create something warm and memorable," shares exhibition organizer N.Yu. Feoktistova. "Conference participants spend all day listening to complex presentations on population dynamics, genetics, climate change, and so on. And near the exhibit, you can take a moment to relax, smile, and remember who and what all this serious work is for. After all, behind every graph and term is a living creature whose home is our planet."
The exhibition reminds us that many species of wild hamsters in the Palearctic are extremely vulnerable today. Studying and protecting them is one of the most important tasks of modern zoology.
We invite all conference participants to stop by the first-floor lobby next to the library and get in some hamster spirit!