#1 Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai)
The Bumblebee Bat, also known as the Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat, is the smallest mammal in the world. It is found in the limestone caves of Thailand and Myanmar, and is named for its small size, which is similar to that of a bumblebee. The Bumblebee Bat is only about 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) long and weighs around 2 grams (0.07 ounces). Despite its small size, the Bumblebee Bat is a capable flyer and feeds on insects. It is endangered due to habitat loss and is listed on the IUCN Red List.
#2 Etruscan Shrew (Suncus etruscus)
The Etruscan Shrew is the second smallest mammal in the world and is found in a variety of habitats throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is named for the ancient Etruscan civilization, which was located in what is now Italy. The Etruscan Shrew is only about 4 cm (1.6 inches) long and weighs around 2 grams (0.07 ounces). It has a long, pointed snout and is generally brown or grey in color. The Etruscan Shrew feeds on insects and is active during the day.
#3 Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)
The Pygmy Marmoset is a small, agile primate that is found in the rainforests of South America. It is the smallest monkey in the world and is known for its distinctive, high-pitched call. The Pygmy Marmoset is about 14 cm (5.5 inches) long and weighs around 120 grams (4.2 ounces). It has a long, thin tail and is generally orange or brown in color. The Pygmy Marmoset feeds on a variety of plant exudates and insects and is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.
#4 Russian Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
The Russian Dwarf Hamster is a small, active rodent that is native to the grasslands of Mongolia and northern China. It is a popular pet due to its small size and friendly nature. The Russian Dwarf Hamster is about 6 cm (2.4 inches) long and weighs around 30 grams (1 ounce). It has a round body and a short, thin tail and is generally brown or grey in color. The Russian Dwarf Hamster feeds on a variety of seeds and grains and is active during the night.
#5 American Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)
The American Shrew Mole is a small, burrowing mammal that is found in the forests and grasslands of North America. It is named for its small size and shrew-like appearance. The American Shrew Mole is about 10 cm (4 inches) long.
#6 Paedocypris Fish (Paedocypris sp.)
Paedocypris Fish are a group of small, translucent freshwater fish that are found in the peat swamps of Indonesia. They are the smallest known vertebrates in the world and are known for their delicate, miniature size. Paedocypris Fish are only about 7.9 mm (0.31 inches) long and weigh around 0.01 grams (0.0004 ounces). They have a translucent body and are generally brown or grey in color. Paedocypris Fish feed on small insects and crustaceans and are an important part of the ecosystem.
#7 Speckled Padloper Tortoise (Homopus signatus)
The Speckled Padloper Tortoise is the smallest species of tortoise in the world and is found in the dry, rocky habitats of South Africa. It is named for its small size and the distinctive, raised scales on its shell, which are used for defense against predators. The Speckled Padloper Tortoise is only about 10 cm (4 inches) long and weighs around 700 grams (1.5 pounds). It has a brown or grey shell and is generally brown or grey in color. The Speckled Padloper Tortoise feeds on a variety of plants and is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.
#8 Pygmy Jerboa (Salpingotulus michaelis)
The Pygmy Jerboa is a small, nocturnal rodent that is found in the desert regions of Central Asia. It is known for its distinctive, long hind legs and tail, which are used for jumping and balancing. The Pygmy Jerboa is about 5 cm (2 inches) long and weighs around 10 grams (0.35 ounces). It has a small head and a long, thin body and is generally grey or brown in color. The Pygmy Jerboa feeds on a variety of seeds and insects and is an important part of the ecosystem.
#9 Etruscan Shrew (Suncus etruscus)
The Etruscan Shrew is the second smallest mammal in the world and is found in a variety of habitats throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is named for the ancient Etruscan civilization, which was located in what is now Italy. The Etruscan Shrew is only about 4 cm (1.6 inches) long and weighs around 2 grams (0.07 ounces). It has a long, pointed snout and is generally brown or grey in color. The Etruscan Shrew feeds on insects and is active during the day.
#10 Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)
The Pygmy Marmoset is a small, agile primate that is found in the rainforests of South America. It is the smallest monkey in the world.
#11 Asian Tiny Otter (Amblonyx cinerea)
The Asian Tiny Otter, also known as the Asian Small-clawed Otter, is the smallest species of otter in the world. It is found in the freshwater habitats of South and Southeast Asia, including rivers, streams, and swamps. The Asian Tiny Otter is about 50 cm (20 inches) long and weighs around 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds). It has a short, stocky body and is generally brown or grey in color, with distinctive white markings on its face. The Asian Tiny Otter feeds on a variety of small fish and crustaceans and is an important part of the ecosystem.