Kitti’s hog-nosed bat

Kitti’s hog-nosed bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), also called the bumblebee bat, is a near-threatened species found in western Thailand and southeast Myanmar, inhabiting limestone caves along rivers. It is the smallest bat species, measuring 29 to 33 mm in length and weighing about 2 g. This bat has a distinctive pig-like snout and reddish-brown or grey fur.

Kitti’s hog-nosed bat lives in colonies averaging around 100 individuals, often roosting far from cave entrances. Their activity is brief, with foraging periods lasting about 30 minutes in the evening and 20 minutes at dawn, primarily hunting insects like flies and spiders. Females usually give birth to one offspring annually during the dry season (March to May), forming small maternity colonies within caves to provide protection and warmth. The species faces threats from habitat degradation and disturbance of roosting sites, particularly in Thailand where their population may be at risk of extinction.

Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner