Mammal

Aye-aye

Daubentonia madagascariensis

Also known as Madagascar Aye-Aye

Aye-ayes are nocturnal, tree-dwelling lemurs famous for their remarkable tap-foraging ecological niche. Using an elongated, highly flexible middle finger, they tap rapidly along tree trunks at up to eight times per second to detect hollow channels and extract wood-boring larvae. Their continuously growing incisors and large radar-like ears make them one of the most unusual and specialized primates on Earth.

NocturnalArborealEndemic

1 / 2

—observations

—countries

—peak records

EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyBeetle Larva, Canarium Nut, Fungus

Predators

Fossa
Malagasy Tree Boa
Harrier Hawk

ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and local hunting due to traditional omens

HabitatsTropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and coastal woodlands of Madagascar

Life span20–25 years

Classification

OrderPrimates
FamilyDaubentoniidae
GenusDaubentonia
SpeciesDaubentonia madagascariensis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Timid nocturnal animal; observe quietly from a distance without using bright white lights.
What to notice: Distinguished by coarse dark fur, pale face, oversized ears, bushy tail, and elongated middle fingers.
Support conservation: Keep a distance of at least ten meters and refrain from flash photography during nocturnal searches.

Responsible observation

Night Spotting: Use red light flashlights to avoid disturbing these light-sensitive nocturnal primates.
Listen Carefully: Listen for their fast wood-tapping sounds echoing through the forest canopy at night.
Maintain Distance: Avoid approaching nesting hollows or spherical leaf nests built high in tree forks.

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