Welcome to the world of the lesser-known wild animals! While elephants, lions, and giraffes may steal the spotlight, there is a whole other world of tiny creatures that deserve just as much attention. Take a look at these seven of the tiniest animals you’ve never heard of.

Etruscan Shrew 

The Etruscan Shrew, also known as the Etruscan Pygmy Shrew, is one of the world’s smallest mammals. It is found in Europe and Asia, and typically weighs less than two grams. Despite its small size, it is a fierce hunter and can eat up to three times its own body weight in a single day. It has a very high metabolic rate and needs to eat constantly to survive. It is known for its sharp teeth and long snout which it uses to catch insects and small invertebrates.

Bumblebee Bat 

The Bumblebee Bat, also known as the Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat, is the smallest mammal in the world. It is found in Thailand and Myanmar, and typically weighs less than two grams. It is a cave-dweller and is known for its distinctive pig-like snout. These bats are known for their unique mating rituals and the males often compete for the attention of females by singing.

Paedocypris Fish 

Paedocypris fish are some of the smallest fish in the world, with some species measuring just 7.9 mm in length. They are found in Southeast Asia and are known for their bright colours and delicate fins. These fish are known to live in acidic blackwater habitats and they have adapted to survive in these conditions by developing a specialised respiratory system.

Pygmy Marmoset 

The Pygmy Marmoset is one of the smallest monkeys in the world, typically weighing less than 100 grams. It is found in South America and is known for its small size, large eyes and long tail. These monkeys are known for their agile and active nature, they are able to move quickly through the trees using their long tails for balance. They live in social groups and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalisations.

Speckled Padloper Tortoise 

The Speckled Padloper Tortoise is one of the smallest tortoises in the world, typically measuring just 7-10 cm in length. It is found in South Africa and is known for its small size, hard shell and speckled pattern. These tortoises are known for their ability to survive in arid conditions and their diet mainly consists of succulent plants.

Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur 

This lemur is one of the smallest primates in the world and is found only in Madagascar. It typically weighs around 30 grams and is known for its small size and big eyes. These lemurs are arboreal and nocturnal, they are primarily active at night, spending their days sleeping in tree holes.

Pygmy Rabbit 

The Pygmy Rabbit is one of the smallest rabbit species in the world, typically measuring around 20cm in length. It is found in North America and is known for its small size and short ears. These rabbits are herbivorous and their diet primarily consists of sagebrush. They are known for their burrowing habits and they spend most of their time underground.

These are just a few examples of the tiniest wild animals you’ve never heard of. Though small in size, these creatures are fascinating and play an important part in the ecosystem and maintaining the balance of nature. It is important to learn about these animals and to protect them from habitat destruction, pollution and other human activities that threaten their survival. Join us and make a difference by volunteering with GVI and help us protect these and other amazing creatures.