May 4, 2025
Tiny, elusive and often overlooked, these are the smallest mammals on Earth. Whether by length or weight, each one is a marvel of miniature survival in nature. Let’s have the tiniest mammals on the planet!
iStock
Weighing less than 2 grams, the Etruscan shrew is the lightest known mammal. With an incredibly fast metabolism, it must eat every few hours to survive.
Getty Images
Also known as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, bumblebee bat weighs around 2 grams and has a wingspan of just 5.7 inches. It roosts in limestone caves in Thailand and Myanmar.
Getty Images
With a body length of about 1.7 inches, the pygmy jerboa has long legs and a tail, giving it an almost cartoonish appearance. It's among the smallest rodents on Earth.
Getty Images
Found in Australia, the pygmy possum weighs only 10 grams. Despite its tiny size, it is an agile climber and often feeds on nectar, insects, and fruit.
Getty Images
Long-tailed planigale is so small it can slip into cracks just 6 mm wide. It measures around 1.2 inches in body length and hunts insects at night.
Getty Images
Smaller than most mice, American shrew mole lives underground and uses its tiny body to burrow through soft soil. It rarely weighs more than 10 grams.
Getty Images
Although longer than others on this list, the least weasel is incredibly light, some females weigh just 25 grams. It's a fierce predator despite its size.
Getty Images
Native to Madagascar, mouse lemurs are some of the tiniest primates in the world. They’re nocturnal, tree-dwelling, and weigh around 30 grams on average.
Getty Images
African pygmy hedgehog species weighs about 250 grams and measures around 6 to 8 inches. It's a popular exotic pet known for its adorable looks.
Getty Images
Found in parts of Mexico, the Northern pygmy mouse weighs only 4–5 grams and has a body length of around 2 inches. It nests in grasslands and feeds on seeds and insects.
Getty Images
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next