Wildlife with the longest tails
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?
Giraffe
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).
Asian grass lizard
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.
Spider monkey
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.
Long-eared jerboa
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. Read More…
