Animals
of all shapes, sizes and colour make our wondrous planet what it is.
Without true biodiversity the world would be a very different place as
all animal species each play a vital role in ensuring and maintaining
successful and habitable eco-systems.
Most people could answer simple
quiz questions about what the biggest animal species are as blue whales,
anacondas and ostriches easily spring to mind. However, what about the
smallest animal species? Their tiny size often means that they are less
well known than the animals that claim the giant titles but they play
just as an important role in making up our world as we know it.
World's Smallest Mammal The
Bumblebee Bat is the smallest mammal in the world. Found in Western
Thailand and South-East Myanmar, this tiny creature measures just 30mm
in length and weighs only 2 grams.
World's Smallest Bird The
Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world. Found only in the
forests of Cuba and on the Isle of Pines, this little bird is only 5.7cm
long and weighs just 1.6 grams.
World's Smallest Fish The
Paedocypris fish is the smallest fish in the world. A member of the
carp family, they are found in the forest swamps on the Indonesian
island of Sumatra. Measuring just 7.9mm long, this tiny fish was also
the world's smallest vertebrate species until recently.
World's Smallest Reptile A
Leaf Chameleon known as Brookesia micro is the smallest reptile in the
world. Recently discovered in 2012 on the island of Madagascar, these
miniature creatures are only known in one area. Measuring just 29mm in
length, they have beaten the Dwarf Gecko to take the smallest reptile
title.
World's Smallest Amphibian A tiny frog known as
Paedophryne amauensis is the smallest amphibian in the world. Recently
discovered in the dense forests of Papua New Guinea, they are well
camouflaged amongst the leaf litter on the forest floor. Measuring just
7mm in length, this little frog is currently the world's smallest
vertebrate species.
World's Smallest Insect The
Fairyfly is thought to be the smallest insect in the world. Found in
temperate and tropical regions around the world they are a type of
chalcid wasp. With a body length of only 0.139mm these microscopic
creatures are very hard to spot.
World's Smallest Spider Patu
digua is the smallest species of spider in the world. Found mainly in
Colombia they have a slightly odd appearance compared to other spider
species. With a body size of only 0.37mm, these tiny spiders are about
the size of a pinhead.
