Animals in the Canopy of the Rain Forest

The canopy acts as a roof for rain forest, providing shade for the lower levels. Many species of animals thrive on the high branches and vines. Some inhabits of the canopy may never need to venture down to the understory, or forest floor. Even at 80 feet in the air, the tree crowns provide the animals that live there with adequate shelter and food sources.

  1. Mammals

    • The canopy is home to agile tree climbers, such as lemurs, orangutans and spider monkeys. Two-toed sloths spend most of their time in the canopy, using the leaves for camouflage; the sluggish mammals only climb down once a week for bathroom breaks. Some large cats use the canopy as a hunting area. For example, the rare clouded leopard excels at climbing through trees.

    Amphibians

    • Numerous species of tree frogs live in the rain forest canopy. Some frogs, such as American glass frogs, lay their eggs on vegetation and trust that the humid air will keep them moist. These eggs are safe from underwater predators that live on the forest floor. The brightly colored poison dart frogs also take shelter in the canopy's leaves. They absorb the moisture that collects on the trees.

    Birds

    • Parrots can find plenty of food in the rain forest canopy. Loud and brightly colored macaws thrive in forests of Central and South America. In Australia and Southeast Asia, cockatoos search the trees for nuts, seeds and berries. Species of owls and toucans also appear in the canopy.

    Reptiles

    • Species of snakes take advantage of the canopy's vegetation, using leaves as camouflage. Eyelash vipers slither along in various colors, including green and olive. Boa constrictors find plenty of prey to squeeze in the treetops. Chameleons and iguanas avoid other reptilian hunters by changing their colors to match the canopy trees.

    Invertebrates

    • Invertebrates in the canopy usually find themselves near the bottom of the food chain. Species of ants and beetles exist in the high branches. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs on moist leaves. Leeches appear on the rain forest floor as well as in the canopy; they feed on blood and plant sap. Some insects, such as katydids and stick insects, blend into the treetops to avoid predators.