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10 of the World’s Tiniest Mammals (Slideshow)

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10 of the World’s Tiniest Mammals (Slideshow)

The blue whale is the world’s largest living mammal: you’ve likely heard that fact so many times that you could recite it in your sleep. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the other end of the spectrum? What are the smallest mammals in the world?

Although most of them are not well-known to humankind, many amazing tiny mammals live on this planet. They adapt to harsh environments while dodging predators a hundred times their size. Although their miniature size can make life more challenging, it offers them ecological advantages, too: they can survive on less food and water than a larger animal can, and they can climb and hide in places larger animals could never go. Some tiny mammals even manage to be fierce and effective hunters!

Read on to learn more about the fascinating small worlds of these unusual mammals.

 

 

10. Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) — above

The fabulous pink fairy armadillo is the smallest of all the armadillo species, at only 3.5–4.5 inches (90–115 mm) long. They live in central Argentina, where they spend most of their time underground. Their front claws allow them to dig through sandy earth freely, and they can completely bury themselves in seconds if frightened.

Photo Credit: Cliff [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Read more: Environment, Fun, Life, Nature, Nature & Wildlife, Travel, Wildlife, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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BONUS butterfly credits

Molly Allison-Baker

Molly is a nature and travel enthusiast who is passionate about endangered languages, natural history, and women's and LGBT issues. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, and hanging out with her three cats.

also by Molly Allison-Baker

210 comments

+ add your own
Malgorzata Zmuda Malgorzata Z.
1:14PM PDT on May 13, 2013

śliczne zwierzątka, małe jest piękne

Melania Padilla Melania P.
9:23AM PST on Feb 12, 2013

thanks, sharing!

Kathy Perez Kathy P.
10:27AM PDT on Oct 12, 2012

they are so CUTE

Sue Matheson Sue M.
7:12PM PDT on Sep 21, 2012

thanks

Van M. Van M.
2:22PM PDT on Sep 20, 2012

so many cute animals I haven't seen ever, lol animals are the best.

Tanja Z. Tanja Z.
3:15AM PDT on Sep 20, 2012

very interesting

Nicole Gorman Nicole G.
1:05PM PDT on Sep 17, 2012

Wow! The Pink Fairy Armadillo and the Pygmy Gerboa are super cool.

Ajla C. Ajla C.
8:06AM PDT on Sep 16, 2012

cute

Teresa Wlosowicz Teresa W.
3:43AM PDT on Sep 16, 2012

cute

Heidi H. Heidi H.
3:41AM PDT on Sep 16, 2012

Love them all but 'Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur' has the greatest name ever!

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