ERGA-BGE reference genome of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus), an IUCN critically endangered species of the Eurasian steppe

<ns3:p> The common hamster is currently one of the fastest-declining mammals in Europe, with its protection facing multiple challenges due to the complexity of the threats posed by factors such as population fluctuations, agricultural intensification, and reduced reproductive output. Overcoming these challenges requires population genomic data to inform targeted conservation measures. Therefore, the <ns3:italic>Cricetus cricetus</ns3:italic> reference genome will serve as an important genomic resource for conservation genomic works aiming to halt the decline of this critically endangered species of the western part of the Eurasian steppe. Consistently with the reported karyotype, a total of 12 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules (10 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes) and one mitochondrial genome were assembled from the genome sequence. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 2.5 Gb, composed of 179 contigs and 49 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 47.7 Mb and 305.5 Mb, respectively. </ns3:p>