The aye-aye is the largest nocturnal primate, which means they only come out at night. Although the aye-aye isn't huge, its tail is almost double the length. The aye-aye is know for its long, narrow fingers that are curved nails like claws. Aye-ayes have a number of unusual traits, including a long, bony, witch-like middle finger that they use to pry insects and grubs from tree trunks.
During the day, the aye-aye often sleeps in a nest made dead leaves and twigs. The nests are often located high up in tall trees. Aye-ayes normally mark their territory with urine and/or scents from their neck, cheeks, or butts. When the female is ready to breed, they show that they are ready to specific calls, and aren't as territorial with their scents. Normally, a baby will be born about every two to three years.
Aye-ayes locate cavities in tree-bark by tapping their long middle finger on the branch and listen through the wood. Once the cavity has for sure been found, they then listen for the grubs burrowing below the tree-bark. When the grub is heard the aye-aye rips the cavity open to hook the grub with its middle finger. Along with strategy to find food, they also eat fruit, nuts, fungi, seeds, and nectar. The aye-aye's large teeth especially help with eating hard fruits like coconuts and opening nut shells.
The current size of the population of the aye-aye is unknown, but is estimated to be around 1,000-10,000 according to Edge, an organization for distinct and globally endangered animals.
The main threat to the aye-aye population is the loss of habitats. Agriculture and development are reasons why the land is being cleared. This has lead to the aye-ayes invading plantations and ruining crops, which creates conflict with the people. Belief that aye-ayes bring good luck is another reason for population loss. But other beliefs think that they are "harbingers of death" and are to be killed when seen. Lately, the aye-aye population has been protected now knowing that it is endangered. Protected areas in Madagascar have been made for aye-ayes. Zoos all around are now breeding to help the population grow. Other ideas have been proposed to help keep them alive. Like for program that helps farmers whose property was damaged or crops were damaged by aye-ayes.
During the day, the aye-aye often sleeps in a nest made dead leaves and twigs. The nests are often located high up in tall trees. Aye-ayes normally mark their territory with urine and/or scents from their neck, cheeks, or butts. When the female is ready to breed, they show that they are ready to specific calls, and aren't as territorial with their scents. Normally, a baby will be born about every two to three years.
Aye-ayes locate cavities in tree-bark by tapping their long middle finger on the branch and listen through the wood. Once the cavity has for sure been found, they then listen for the grubs burrowing below the tree-bark. When the grub is heard the aye-aye rips the cavity open to hook the grub with its middle finger. Along with strategy to find food, they also eat fruit, nuts, fungi, seeds, and nectar. The aye-aye's large teeth especially help with eating hard fruits like coconuts and opening nut shells.
The current size of the population of the aye-aye is unknown, but is estimated to be around 1,000-10,000 according to Edge, an organization for distinct and globally endangered animals.
The main threat to the aye-aye population is the loss of habitats. Agriculture and development are reasons why the land is being cleared. This has lead to the aye-ayes invading plantations and ruining crops, which creates conflict with the people. Belief that aye-ayes bring good luck is another reason for population loss. But other beliefs think that they are "harbingers of death" and are to be killed when seen. Lately, the aye-aye population has been protected now knowing that it is endangered. Protected areas in Madagascar have been made for aye-ayes. Zoos all around are now breeding to help the population grow. Other ideas have been proposed to help keep them alive. Like for program that helps farmers whose property was damaged or crops were damaged by aye-ayes.