But they can climb trees, launch themselves into the air, then travel for long distances, gliding on membranes stretched between their legs. Some reptiles and amphibians can similarly glide between trees. But bats are the only vertebrates besides birds that are capable of true flight. Mountain Climbers A nimals that defy gravity are also found in mountainous areas. Hard hooves function similar to mountain climbers' stiff boots, balancing on the narrowest ledges and gripping tiny projections and cracks.
Some species also have soft soles that grip rock, similar to a rock climber's rubber shoes.
Mountain sheep can run on steep mountainsides with amazing ease. But mountain goats climb on steep mountain faces where even sheep fear to tread. Among the most amazing climbers are African hyraxes. They have four toes on each front foot, three on each hind foot. Each toe is equipped with a flattened hoof-like nail, except that one toe on each hind foot has a claw.