Between Earth and Sky In the early mornings, low clouds cover the trees in the canopy. By noon, some of the mist at the top of the forest clears. But the clouds never go away completely. Te clouds supply water for the


epiphytes and the trees. Cloud forest trees are unusual. Tey take in water through roots like other trees. But they take in water through their leaves, too. When I’m near the top of a tree, I


watch and listen. I might see a flock of colorful parrots fly past me. Or a harpy eagle may soar high above as it searches for a monkey to eat. Close by, an emerald toucanet picks berries from a woody epiphtye. Many canopy animals live their entire


lives on the branches and trunks of trees. Most rarely go down to the forest floor. Capuchin monkeys leap from branch to branch. Powerful ocelots wait to catch them. Long-armed sloths cling to the branches with their strong claws. Green algae grow on their fur. Tis helps sloths hide in the leaves of the canopy. Tey look like they are part plant.


Back to the Forest Floor Aſter a full day of observing and collecting samples, it’s time for me to return to the forest floor. I hear the howler monkeys calling out again as night approaches. I pack up my gear and slowly lower myself to the ground. I hike back to my cloud forest home. Te


nighttime songs of insects, frogs, and birds fill my ears. I can hardly wait for tomorrow and my next climb into the canopy.


22 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


The brown-throated sloth spends most of its life in the treetops.


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