KITTI’S HOG-NOSED BAT
Craseonycteris thonglongyai
DESCRIPTION
Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, also known as the bumblebee bat, is one of the smallest bat species in the world. It has a distinctive pig-like snout and is known for its tiny size, weighing only about 2 grams.
FUN FACTS
- Kitti’s hog-nosed bat is often considered the world's smallest mammal by weight | It can fly at speeds of up to 40 km/h | The species was discovered in 1973 and is named after Thai zoologist Kitti Thonglongya
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 4 years in the wild
Average Weight2-3 g
Average Length3-4 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresmall groups, often roosting in colonies of a few individuals
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- Kitti’s hog-nosed bat inhabits limestone caves and forested areas. It roosts in small colonies within these caves, which provide protection from predators.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Limestone Caves
- Native Range
- This species is native to parts of Southeast Asia, specifically found in Thailand and Myanmar.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Thailand, Myanmar
- Diet
- This bat primarily feeds on small insects, particularly flies and beetles. It uses echolocation to hunt for its prey in the dark.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- small insects
- Social Structure
- small groups, often roosting in colonies of a few individuals
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 2-20
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
2-3 g
Weight
3-4 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brownish-grey fur with a lighter underside
- Lifespan
- up to 4 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 45 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 6-12 months
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is considered to be declining due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and disturbance of roosting sites. Additionally, climate change may impact their food sources.
- Predators
- birds of prey, snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their small size and roosting in inaccessible caves to avoid predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare