The bumblebee bat, also known as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, is the world’s smallest mammal. These cute little creatures are found in Myanmar and Thailand and are known to be endangered. Interestingly, bumblebee bats have several interesting features that make them fascinating to study. Here are ten fascinating facts about these tiny mammals.

1. Size: Kitti’s hog-nosed bat is about the size of a bumblebee with its body measuring only 1.1-1.3 inches long and a wingspan of 5.3-6.7 inches. This makes them one of the world’s tiniest mammals.

2. Echolocation: Like other bats, bumblebee bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, allowing them to “see” in the dark.

3. Diet: Bumblebee bats feed on insects like bees, moths, and flies. They rely on their echolocation to hunt for their prey.

4. Roosting: These tiny mammals can roost in large colonies of up to 100 individuals. They prefer to roost in caves, mines, and tree hollows.

5. Hibernation: Bumblebee bats hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy. During hibernation, their body temperature drops to match their surroundings, and their metabolism slows down significantly.

6. Lifespan: Bumblebee bats have a lifespan of about 5-6 years. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 14 years in captivity.

7. Conservation status: Bumblebee bats are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population has been declining due to habitat loss and disturbance, as well as hunting for traditional medicine and food.

8. Nose shape: The bumblebee bat has a unique shaped nose, which is upturned and resembles a hog’s snout. This feature helps the bat to echolocate and find its prey.

9. Fur color: Bumblebee bats have soft and fluffy fur that is reddish-brown on the back and paler on the underside. Their ears, wings, and nose are black.

10. Scientific name: The bumblebee bat is scientifically known as Craseonycteris thonglongyai. The first part of the name, Craseonycteris, means “elegant bat,” while the second part, thonglongyai, is the name of the Thai villager who first recorded the bat’s existence.

In conclusion, the bumblebee bat is an incredible mammal with unique features. Its small size, echolocation, diet, and nose shape make it an interesting species to study. However, its endangered status is a cause for concern, and efforts need to be made to conserve this species.