10 fascinating mammals that are small enough to fit on your palm

Time of India

15 hours ago

When people usually talk about wildlife, the focus is on the big names– elephants, tigers, and whales. They're hard to miss, and they often take centre stage in conservation stories.
But not every animal that matters is massive.
There are mammals out there that most people don't even notice. They're hidden in trees, deserts, grass, and even underground– so small, some can fit on a fingertip or weigh less than a coin.
They might be tiny, but they're not insignificant. These creatures help control insect populations, pollinate plants, and survive in places where many others can't. Here's a look at ten of the smallest mammals on Earth– and why they deserve a closer look.
Etruscan shrew
The Etruscan shrew weighs less than 2 grams– lighter than a paperclip. It lives in parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and it's almost always in motion. Its metabolism is so fast that going without food for even a short time can be dangerous. To survive, it needs to keep eating constantly, mostly insects, just to stay alive.
Bumblebee bat
The bumblebee bat– also called Kitti's hog-nosed bat– is one of the smallest mammals in the world.
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It's roughly the size of a bumblebee, which is where it gets its name. These bats are found in limestone caves across Thailand and Myanmar. They're quick, quiet, and surprisingly agile in the air.
Long-tailed planigale
At first glance, you might mistake this marsupial for an insect– it's that small. Native to northern Australia, it measures just a few centimetres long. Its head is flat enough to let it slide between cracks in dry soil as it hunts.
Pygmy jerboa
With a round body and long legs, the pygmy jerboa looks like a mini kangaroo on fast-forward. It hops across the desert, avoids predators using its speed, and rarely needs to drink water, getting what it needs from seeds and desert plants.
Pygmy possum
Don't let its tiny size fool you. Weighing just around 10 grams, this Australian native is an agile climber and an important pollinator. It survives tough winters by slowing down its system through torpor.
During warmer months, it snacks on nectar, fruits, and insects.
Northern pygmy mouse
This rodent lives in Mexico's grasslands and weighs just about 5 grams. It's small, shy, and tends to stick close to home. It builds its own burrows and hides in tall grass, feeding on seeds and tiny insects.
American shrew mole
Found in the western U.S., this mole is smaller than your average mouse and spends most of its life underground. It uses its snout and whiskers like sensors, feeling its way through the dark.
It's active day and night, constantly foraging below the surface.
Mouse lemur
Native to Madagascar, mouse lemurs are the smallest primates in the world, usually weighing under 35 grams. They're nocturnal and tree-dwelling, using their big eyes to see in the dark. Sadly, many species are threatened by deforestation.
Least weasel
This slender predator weighs as little as 25 grams but is quick, clever, and not afraid to take down larger prey.
Its long body lets it slip into tight places to hunt rodents. In snowy areas, it changes to a white coat– perfect camouflage.
African pygmy hedgehog
At around 250 grams, this is one of the smallest hedgehogs on Earth. Native to Africa, it's known for its quiet, solitary habits. When it feels threatened, it curls into a spiky ball. These days, it's also become a popular pet for people around the world.