The Great Hamster of Alsace, also known as the European Hamster, was put on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s "red list" of critically endangered species earlier this month. /CFP

Native to Alsace in France, the rodent used to be common across Europe. However, latest research shows their population has gone down by 75 percent. /CFP

Experts blame fall in the reproduction rate for a declining population. Back in the 20th century, each female produced around 20 offspring annually. The number has now dropped to 5-6. /CFP

According to IUCN, urbanization could be behind the reduced reproduction rate and the rodent species may extinct within 30 years. /CFP