The world's smallest mammal is the bumblebee bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), also known as Kitti's hog-nosed bat. This tiny bat is native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Myanmar.
The bumblebee bat's small size is primarily due to its adaptations for a specialized diet and habitat:
Diet: Bumblebee bats primarily feed on nectar from flowers, and they are one of the few bat species that are nectarivorous. Their small size allows them to access and feed on tiny flowers with nectar, much like hummingbirds.
Habitat: They roost in small crevices and caves, which are often found in limestone karst formations. Their small size is an advantage in maneuvering and fitting into these narrow spaces.
Adult bumblebee bats have a wingspan of about 5.7 to 6.7 inches (14.5 to 17 cm) and can weigh as little as 2 grams, making them one of the tiniest mammals in the world. Their size is a remarkable adaptation that allows them to thrive in their specific ecological niche.