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A newly-built motorway in northern France has introduced hamsters to help the local environment.

The European or 'Alsatian' hamster's being used to improve biodiversity around the 24 kilometre road near Strasbourg.

The motorway was built after 40 years of local objections.

Meanwhile, a 2016 law has made its constructor act to reduce any loss of biodiversity.

Alsatian hamsters are an umbrella species.

They have a positive impact on other plants and animals.

Their numbers also help measure an area's biodiversity, says researcher Timothée Gérard.

Their numbers fell sharply due to hunting and trapping.

In 2020, they joined the red list of highly endangered species.

Constructor Vinci Autoroutes hopes to change that, says environmental manager Arnaud Guillemin.

Arnaud Guillemin: "As it's a protected species, we have very low populations.

Their release into the area has taken careful planning.

The team at the wildlife rescue organisation has strict rules to follow.

Hamster breeder Celia Schappler explains:

Celia Schappler: "We will release them in lines, alternating between male and female.

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