Little creatures among those left standing (4)

I believe the answer is:

efts

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'little creatures' is the definition.
'efts' can be an answer for 'creatures' (eft is a kind of creature). I am unsure of the 'little' bit.

'among those left standing' is the wordplay.
'among' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'EFTS' is hidden within 'those left standing'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for efts that I've seen before include "Baby newts" , "Amphibians" , "Kind of newts" , "Old lizards" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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