The Etruscan shrew
The Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus) is a small insectivorous mammal native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is the smallest mammal in the world, with a body length of just 2.5 to 3.5 cm and a weight of only 1.5 to 2.5 grams. Despite its small size, the Etruscan shrew is a highly active and voracious predator, consuming up to three times its own body weight in insects and other small invertebrates each day.
The pygmy jerboa
The pygmy jerboa (Salpingotulus michaelis) is a small rodent found in the deserts of Central Asia. It has a body length of just 4 cm and a weight of only 7 grams, making it one of the smallest mammals in the world. The pygmy jerboa is adapted to its arid habitat, with long hind legs that allow it to hop great distances and a hairy tail that provides shade from the hot desert sun.
The dwarf gecko
The dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae) is a small reptile native to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It is one of the smallest geckos in the world, with a body length of just 3 cm and a weight of only 1.5 grams. Despite its small size, the dwarf gecko is a skilled climber and can be found hiding in crevices and under rocks in its rocky habitat.
The madame Berthe’s mouse lemur
Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae) is a small primate found in the rainforests of Madagascar. It is the smallest primate in the world, with a body length of just 8 cm and a weight of only 30 grams. Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur is nocturnal, spending its nights foraging for insects and other small prey in the trees.
The pink fairy armadillo
The pink fairy armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) is a small mammal found in the grasslands and dry forests of Argentina. It is the smallest armadillo in the world, with a body length of just 13 cm and a weight of only 100 grams. The pink fairy armadillo gets its name from its pale pink coloration and its delicate, fairy-like appearance. It is a burrowing animal, spending most of its time underground in complex tunnel systems.
The bee hummingbird
The bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is a small bird found in the tropical regions of the Americas. It is the smallest bird in the world, with a body length of just 6 cm and a weight of only 2 grams. Despite its tiny size, the bee hummingbird is a powerful flyer, capable of hovering in place and flying at speeds of up to 50 km/h. It feeds on nectar from flowers and small insects.
The rusty-spotted cat
The rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is a small wildcat found in the forests of India and Sri Lanka. It is the smallest cat in the world, with a body length of just 40 cm and a weight of only 1.5 kg. The rusty-spotted cat is a solitary and elusive animal, spending most of its time hunting for rodents and other small prey in the underbrush.
The hog-nosed bat
The hog-nosed bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) is a small bat found in the forests of Thailand and Myanmar. It is one of the smallest bats in the world, with a wingspan of just 15 cm and a weight of only 2 grams. Despite its small size, the hog-nosed bat is a proficient flyer and feeds on a variety of insects. It is named for its distinctive upturned nose, which is thought to help amplify the bat’s echolocation calls.
The Bumblebee bat
The bumblebee bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) is a small bat found in the forests of Thailand and Myanmar. It is one of the smallest mammals in the world, with a wingspan of just 6.5 cm and a weight of only 2 grams. The bumblebee bat gets its name from its tiny size, which is similar to that of a bumblebee. It is a rare and endangered species, with a declining population due to habitat loss.
The Chinese stripe-necked turtle
The Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) is a small turtle found in the rivers and lakes of China and Vietnam. It is one of the smallest turtles in the world, with a shell length of just 8 cm and a weight of only 150 grams. The Chinese stripe-necked turtle is a semi-aquatic species, spending most of its time in the water but also basking on rocks and logs. It feeds on a variety of small aquatic animals, such as snails, worms, and insects.
The Speckled padloper
The speckled padloper (Homopus signatus) is a small tortoise found in the arid regions of South Africa. It is one of the smallest tortoises in the world, with a shell length of just 13 cm and a weight of only 600 grams. The speckled padloper is adapted to its dry habitat, with a small and streamlined shell that allows it to move easily through the sandy soil. It feeds on a variety of plants and small insects.
The pygmy marmoset
The pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) is a small monkey found in the rainforests of South America. It is the smallest monkey in the world, with a body length of just 15 cm and a weight of only 120 grams. The pygmy marmoset is a social animal, living in groups of up to 15 individuals. It feeds on a variety of small insects and plants, and is known for its unique method of obtaining food: it uses its sharp incisors to make holes in the bark of trees and then licks the sap that flows out.
The African pygmy mouse
The African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides) is a small rodent found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa. It is one of the smallest mice in the world, with a body length of just 5 cm and a weight of only 5 grams. The African pygmy mouse is a nocturnal species, spending its nights foraging for seeds and other small plant matter. It is a social animal, living in burrows with several other individuals.
The wren
The wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is a small bird found in a variety of habitats throughout Europe and Asia. It is one of the smallest birds in the world, with a body length of just 10 cm and a weight of only 10 grams. The wren is a energetic and active bird, often seen flitting about in search of insects and other small prey. It has a distinctive loud and complex song.