Nature’s Tail Tales: 9 animals with the longest tails on Earth
Giraffe
The giraffe’s tail, ending in a tuft of dark hair, can reach up to 8 feet long. It helps swat away flies while the animal grazes peacefully on tall trees.
Spider monkey
Known for their exceptionally long tails, spider monkeys use them as a fifth limb for balance and gripping branches while swinging through the South American rainforest canopy.
Kangaroo
A kangaroo’s muscular tail acts like a third leg, supporting balance and movement. It’s essential for hopping, fighting, and maintaining posture while grazing in the Australian outback.
Asian grass lizard
This small reptile has a tail up to three times its body length. It uses the tail for balance and distraction against predators in Southeast Asian grasslands.
Long-tailed widowbird
Males have impressively long and flowing tail feathers that can reach up to half a metre long. The birds use it to attract mates. Despite hindering flight, their tails signal strength and vitality in African grasslands.
Ring-tailed lemur
Native to Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs use their long and striped tails for balance and communication. Their tails aren’t prehensile (used for grasping) but serve as social signals within their groups.
Thresher shark
The thresher shark’s tail can be as long as its body. It uses its whip-like upper tail fin to stun schools of fish before feeding.
Snow leopard
The snow leopard’s thick and furry tail helps it balance on rocky terrain and keeps it warm while resting in the cold and rugged mountains of Central Asia.
Green tree python
This snake’s long and muscular tail aids in climbing and anchoring onto branches. Its prehensile tip also helps it hunt by dangling as a lure for unsuspecting prey.