Paw Series

History

Although humans came into contact with horses about 50,000 years ago, they were originally herded for meat, skins, and possibly for milk.

Evidence suggests that they were domesticated about 5,000 years ago - substantially less than many other farm animals including goats, sheep and cattle.

Horses are believed to have first been [...]

History

Domestic hamsters are derived from one female wild golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and her 12 offspring.

The original stock was collected by Dr. Aharoni in northern Syria in 1930.

After setting up a breeding programmer in Jerusalem, he sent a number of hamsters to the UK in 1931 and some to the [...]

History

All domesticated forms of guinea pig, also called cavies, have been developed from the wild guinea pigs (Cavia aperea) of Brazil and Peru.

They were domesticated by the Incas over 500 years ago and were brought over to Europe by Spaniards.

It is thought that the term ‘guinea‘ may be a mispronunciation of [...]

History

Goldfish originated from a species of fish called the Crucian carp.

No one knows for certain when they were domesticated, but ancient Chinese art and literature suggests they have been kept in Chinese homes since 800 AD.

Goldfish became widespread in many other countries in the Far East after 1650.

At [...]

History

Domestic gerbils are usually derived from the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), which originated in north-eastern China.

Gerbils were studied by scientists in the 1950s and, due to their gentle temperaments, became popular pets in Europe.

Life span

Gerbils live for 3-4 years.

Distribution and Habitat in the wild

Mongolian gerbils inhabit the Mongolian Desert in Northern [...]