The Bumblebee Bat: The Smallest Mammal in the World

Big wonders come in small packages. Discover the wonders of the bumblebee bat, the smallest mammal in the world.

By Matt Hrodey
May 27, 2023 1:00 PMMay 30, 2023 2:55 PM
Bumblebee bat
The bumblebee bat spends most of its day at rest. (Credit: Amarisa M/Shutterstock)

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Bumblebee bats – aka Kitti’s hog-nosed bats, named after discoverer Kitti Thonglongya – are among the rarest bats in the world, and certifiably the smallest mammals, according to Guinness World Records.

They cluster around a few caves in Thailand and Myanmar, most notably those along the Khwae Noi River.

Here are five facts about the world's smallest mammal.

1. How Big Is the Smallest Mammal in the World?

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