Pakhar

The Pakhar were a race of hamster-like aliens.

Biology
The Pakhars were hamster-like or guinea pig-like in appearance. They were only a metre tall when standing upright. (PROSE: Legacy) They were covered in fur which grew white as they aged. (PROSE: Mean Streets) Pakhars generally washed themselves with their tongues. (PROSE: The Glass Prison)

Pakhars were known for making a loud screech when angry. (PROSE: Legacy)

Culture
After the Diadem was lost, (PROSE: Legacy) the Pakhar were known for their peaceful ways. They were also known as skilled diplomats. (AUDIO: Bang-Bang-A-Boom!)

According to the Fifth Doctor, they found the term "rodent people" extremely offensive, even racist. (AUDIO: Nekromanteia)

History
Early in their history, the Pakhars were constantly at war with each other because of an artefact called the Diadem. In the 37th century, there were some pacifists who attempted to change the Pakhar for the better. The Third Doctor and Jo Grant came to the planet and got involved with the conflicts. They eventually confronted Vor'r'na, a forager who had become corrupted by the Diadem. When they tried to take the Diadem away, he panicked and fell off a cliff into the Wavis Ravine. With the influence of the Diadem gone, the Pakhars turned to a philosophy of peace. (PROSE: Legacy)

In the 26th century, Zarnek the Pakhar owned a pawn shop in Mega City on Megerra, though he also helped small-time criminals. He was killed when one these criminals, a subject of the Project, killed him in a rage. (PROSE: Mean Streets)

In the 27th century, Peter Summerfield met a Pakhar on Bastion. (AUDIO: The Curse of Fenman)

In the late 39th century, the planet Pakhar joined the Galactic Federation. Its economy was boosted, and it soon became a tourist attraction. It was focused towards education and was famous for its museums, universities, and libraries.

In 3985, an expedition was sent to Pahkar to uncover the Diadem from the Wavis Ravine. All of the archaeologists were killed when the Diadem took over their leader. (PROSE: Legacy)

In 3999, a Pakhar called Frankie attended the wedding of Stacy Townsend and Ssard. (PROSE: Placebo Effect)

In 4010, Pakhars were on board the Cressida to watch a rare chemical reaction in the atmosphere of Uranus. (PROSE: Uranus)

When the Gholos and Angvians were planning for peace, two peace conferences were set up. One, on Achilles 4, was hosted by the Pakhar. A secret conference was also held on Dark Space 8 during the 309th Intergalactic Song Contest. Geri the Pakhar was sent as a mediator. (AUDIO: Bang-Bang-A-Boom!)