[stirling]

Does anyone know what is the smallest mammal in the world?

[Guy F]

I think that the smallest mammal is the Bumblebee Bat, possibly from South Asia. Again, I'm not sure about exact sizes.
Guy

[stirling]

Thanks guy,never heard of that one before.
Best from mike.

[goosey]

Guy is right Bumblebee bats (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) are the smallest mamals in the world. They are only between 2.9 and 3.3cm long and weigh between 1.7and 2grammes.
They are found in Thailand where they live in caves, in small crevices formed by stalactites. They feed at dusk when they are most active, on insects in or above bamboo and teak trees. They are another species under threat from deforestation by the teak logging industry.

[rosemaryrae]

thank you- I needed to confirm this last fact for a book on mammals for children- seems to be two candidates for smallest- I'm pleased with this one!

[goosey]

Hi rosemaryrae, welcome to WAW! I'm glad we could prove useful on your first visit. I hope to see you around - enjoy .

[animal_instincts]

I tried looking it up and several websites actually said that the title of "smallest mammal in the world" is still contentious. It's a battle between the Bumblebee Bat and pygmy shrew. But most websites agree that it is more definitely the bat.

[goosey]

Originally Posted by animal_instincts

I tried looking it up and several websites actually said that the totle of "smallest mammal in the world" is still contentious. It's a battle between the Bumblebee Bat and pygmy shrew. But most websites agree that it is more definitely the bat.

Hi and welcome to WATW.
Thats interesting, can you tell us where Totles can be found in the world or any other details? I have just tried several connotations looking for info' on totles on my search engine and it came up with nothing. Bumblebee Bats and pygmy shrews were the only things mentioned going down the 'smallest mamal" route. I didn't spend ages, so it may be there and I just didn't find it, so seeing as you have already done the work - give us a clue .

[black]

Er, isn't it just a typo It should read "the title of "smallest mammal in the world" is still contentious."

[goosey]

OMG!!!! What a fool, If it had been 1st April and not May, I could have said I was joking. Lucky someone is on their toes this morning .

[Suzanne B]

Nevermind Goosey, at least you brightened up my day !!
And who needs 'totles' , when we've already got 'bomblebee bits' anyway ?!?