By Collins Wafula
Have you ever wondered about the smallest creatures that call Africa home? These tiny animals may be small in size, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the continent’s ecosystem and are worth taking notice of.
First on the list, we have the African Pygmy Mouse. As the name suggests, this tiny mouse is one of the smallest mammals in Africa, measuring only around 3-5 centimeters in length and weighing less than a penny. Found in the savannah and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, they are known for their agility and speed, as they can run up to 18 body lengths per second. The African Pygmy Mouse feeds on seeds and insects, and is an important food source for many small predators.
Next, we have the African Fairyfly. This tiny insect, measuring only 0.5 millimeters in length, is one of the smallest known insects in the world. Found in the rainforests of central and West Africa, the African Fairyfly feeds on the eggs of other insects, and plays an important role in controlling the population of other insects. They are also known for their unique mating dance, where the males use their antennae to signal their readiness to mate to the females.
Another small creature found in Africa is the African Golden Mole. These small mammals are found in the southern regions of the continent and are known for their unique physical characteristics, such as their hairless, scale-covered bodies and their large, paddle-like paws. Measuring only around 10 centimeters in length, they are known to burrow underground and feed on insects, worms, and other small creatures.
The African Elephant Shrew is another tiny mammal found in Africa. Despite its name, it is not related to elephants or shrews, but is a unique species found in the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It measures around 20 centimeters in length and feeds on insects, spiders, and other small creatures. They are known for their speed and agility, as they can run up to 40 kilometers per hour.
Lastly, we have the African Pygmy Kingfisher. As one of the smallest species of kingfisher in the world, this tiny bird measures only around 14 centimeters in length and weighs less than an ounce. Found in the forests and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, they are known for their bright plumage and their unique hunting technique, where they hover in mid-air before diving into the water to catch their prey.
These small creatures may be easy to overlook, but they play an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of the African ecosystem. They are also unique and fascinating in their own right and are worth learning more about. Next time you’re on safari or exploring the African wilderness, take a moment to look at the smallest creatures around you, and marvel at the diversity and complexity of the continent’s wildlife.