Descriptor : prehensile tail

Monitors' tail actively contribute to locomotion. Several arboreal species have an increased mobility of the extremity of the tail, so that it can perfectly wind round an object (a branch of tree for instance). The tail is then called prehensile tail.

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prehensile tail

presence

The last third of tail is very mobile and can wind round an object.

absence

The last third of tail is not more mobile than the first two thirds, it cannot wind round an object.

Belongs to the group