Looking at family dynamics in response to stress
Disproportionately long limbs and long prehensile tails (adapted to grasp or hold objects) place spider monkeys among the largest New World monkeys. They are found in tropical forests of Central and South America.
The head and body of this diminutive mouse-like rodent measures a maximum 9 cm (3.5 in), while its disproportionately long tail is double this size, up to 16 cm (6.2 in). But it is for its large ears that this rodent is named for. It is found across Eurasia north of the foothills of the Himalayas, and in North Africa.
The most recognized member of the lemur family due to its long, black-and-white ringed tail, this handsome animal is endemic to the island of Madagascar, as are all lemurs. And like many of the species, the ring-tailed lemur is designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Australia's largest native terrestrial mammal, the red kangaroo has one of the largest and most powerful tails in the animal kingdom. The tail is often used to create a tripod when a kangaroo is standing upright. It also serves as a counterbalance during locomotion.
As its name suggests, this large squirrel is endemic to India. Found in the canopies of forests and woodlands, the rodent travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (20 ft). Its tail, which averages 45 cm (17 in) in length, serves as a useful counterbalance.
An arboreal species, tree kangaroos inhabit the tropical rain forests of New Guinea and far northeastern Queensland. These marsupials have a much larger and pendulous tail than terrestrial kangaroos, giving them enhanced balance while moving about the trees. All tree-kangaroos are considered threatened due to hunting and habitat destruction.
An adult South American coati has a tail that is often longer than its body. Native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States, the coati species is about the size of a large housecat.
Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the giant anteater is recognized for its elongated muzzle as much as its long, bushy tail. It's native to Central and South America.
Broadly distributed across Southeast Asia, the northern tree shrew has a tail the length of which is about the same as its body, up to 22 cm (9 in).
It's perhaps no surprise that giraffes—the tallest land mammals in existence—have the longest tails of any creature on Earth—up to 2.4 m (8 ft).
So named for its distinctive, thresher-like tail or caudal fin, which can be as long as the body of the shark itself, this sleek species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to overfishing.
Often mistaken for a snake because of its legless appearance, the eastern glass lizard is practically all tail. This smooth operator is endemic to the southeastern United States.
While the species is named after Angola, this Old World monkey is quite rare in that country, more commonly found in the Congo Basin. Its long thin tail is about 75 cm (29 in) in length. The species is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.
A lesser-known species of stingray, the leopard whipray patrols inshore at shallow depths, making it vulnerable to overfishing. The fish, named for its leopard spot dorsal coloration, is distinguished by an extremely long, whip-like tail that usually has one sting, or spine.
A resident of Sub-Saharan Africa, the long-tailed widowbird is noted for its extremely long set of tail feathers, some reaching up to 50 cm (20 in) in length. The tail is used by males during elaborate courtship rituals.
Rare and endangered, the Sakishima grass lizard is found only on southern Japan's Yaeyama Islands. Highly mobile, this lizard will use its elongated tail for balance while stalking prey.
Near-threatened according to the IUCN, the ribbon-tailed astrapia is a member of the exclusive bird-of-paradise club, found only in Papua New Guinea. Its long and resplendent tail feathers, however, often prevent the bird from escaping quickly when targeted by predators.
But if we are talking about the length of an animal's body in relation to its tail length, the Asian grass lizard likely beats them all. This tiny reptile has a 25-cm (10-in) tail, more than three times the length of its body.
Native to South America, the plumed basilisk lizard is noted for its striking plumed and crested appearance, and long spindly tail. Basilisks are famed for their amazing ability to run across water at speed—a talent that has lent the species the nickname the "Jesus Christ lizard."
Among the largest of the New World monkeys, howlers are celebrated for their audible bellow that resonates through the dense forests of Central and South America. Howler species are also noted for their exceptionally long and powerful prehensile tails. Pictured is the vulnerable brown howler monkey.
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, snow leopards number just 10,000 mature individuals scattered through the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. While its body is stocky and short-legged, the leopard's tail can reach an impressive 105 cm (41 in) in length.
A species of hummingbird, the aptly named red-billed streamertail dazzles with its super long tail. It is endemic to Jamaica and is the national bird of the country.
A peafowl species native to the Indian subcontinent and often referred to colloquially as "peacocks," these birds are of course famous for their impressive train of feathers, which when fanned out create one of the most dazzling displays of courtship in the bird world.
It's only during the breeding season that male long-tailed paradise whydahs live up to their name, molting into plumage that includes spectacularly long tail feathers. The diminutive passerine is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
An especially eye-catching game bird from China and northern Myanmar, Lady Amherst's pheasant is blessed with extended tail plumage patterned gray and black.
Not for nothing is this bird known locally as the "long-tailed mountain lady." The beautiful Taiwan blue magpie has a tail span of around 34–42 cm (13–17 in) in length.
Endemic to northwestern Mexico, the black-throated magpie-jay boasts a tail that is more than half the length of this handsome, sociable, and often raucous bird.
Even with tail streamers measuring nearly 100 cm (39 in) long, the resplendent quetzal is supremely graceful in flight. Found in southern Mexico and Central America, this small feathered showstopper is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Sources: (IUCN Red List) (National Geographic)
See also: Birds that dive for their dinner
Common throughout Eurasia, the long-tailed tit lives up to its description by having a very long, narrow tail that appears at odds with its short, round body.
The tree pangolin, a nocturnal animal, makes good use of its long, prehensile tail in the forests of equatorial Africa. Its conservation is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
Long tails evolve in vertebrate species that use their tail for balance. Indeed, long tails act as a useful counterbalance for animals that lead an active lifestyle—monkeys, for example, and some lizards. A number of birds also share this characteristic, their elongated tail feathers or streamers serving an aerodynamic purpose as well as providing a dazzling focus during courtship rituals. Some of the smallest rodents have the longest tails, and there are several species of fish noted for their extended tail fins. So, which are the longest tails in the animal kingdom?
Click through and browse this telltale list.
Wildlife with the longest tails
Animals with telltale characteristics!
LIFESTYLE Animals
Long tails evolve in vertebrate species that use their tail for balance. Indeed, long tails act as a useful counterbalance for animals that lead an active lifestyle—monkeys, for example, and some lizards. A number of birds also share this characteristic, their elongated tail feathers or streamers serving an aerodynamic purpose as well as providing a dazzling focus during courtship rituals. Some of the smallest rodents have the longest tails, and there are several species of fish noted for their extended tail fins. So, which are the longest tails in the animal kingdom?
Click through and browse this telltale list.