The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a widely used experimental animal model. This chapter focuses primarily on the most current research uses of the hamster. More classical uses are covered only as they pertain to these current uses.he Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) possesses a variety of unique features which make them desirable research models. Despite these features, experimental use of the hamster has declined over the past 20–30 years.