Meet the Aye-aye

by

Daubentonia madagascariensis, also known as Aye-aye is a strepsirrhine endemic to Madagascar. Acording to the UICN Red List, it is endangered. They usually weigh between 2.5-2.7 kg and their life spectancy is about 24 years in captivity.

daubentonia-madagascariensis-aye-aye-madagascar-zoology-biodiversity-primates
The disturbing aspect of an Aye-aye. Frank Vassen

SOME CURIOUS AND UNIQUE  MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES

  • They are the largest nocturnal primates.

  • They have orange eyes surrounded by a black ring.

  • The snout is pointed due to dental modifications related to the form in which they obtain food.

  • They have large incisor teeth that grow continuously in order to gnaw wood and access food.

  • All toes and fingers have claws except for toe 1, which has a nail.

  • The 3rd finger is very long and thin since is related to the way of capturing food and grooming: it is useful for searching for insects and larvae within the wood.

daubentonia-madagascariensis-aye-aye-madagascar-zoology-biodiversity-primates
The Aye-aye has a very elongated finger that serves as a “fishing rod” to catch insects hidden in the wood cavities of trees. Mirko Junge

  • They have a nictitating membrane or third eyelid, which moistens the eye when it dries.

  • Females can reproduce during their whole life.

  • Their mammary glands and nipples are inguinals.

AND TO SEE THEM IN ACTION, VISIT THE VIDEO BELOW

Síguenos en Redes Sociales// Follow us in Social Media

Leave a comment