The hiri-hiri is a predator that the slobber takes pains to avoid, which, despite the fact that it is a tree-dweller, is also highly efficient in preying on ground-living animals. Lying in wait on a low branch, it dangles its strong, prehensile, opossum-like tail down like an innocent vine. When some unsuspecting prey animal trots by, the hiri-hiri seizes it swiftly with its tail and strangles it.