Aye-ayes are lemurs that live in Madagascar. They look creepy-cute, with their long and slim fingers, wide eyes and ears, bushy tails, and scary teeth.
The locals of Madagascar see them as an abomination, but they are more than that to the world of science. We have discovered many fascinating things about these lemurs, and we would like to explore them with you. So, please keep reading.
1. They are the largest nocturnal primates
Aye-ayes are the largest nocturnal primate group in the world. They can grow as large as 3 feet long and weigh five pounds, give, or take. The tail of these creatures can grow to a length of two feet, which is longer than its body.
2. They are somewhat related to humans
Judging by the large eyes that have been adapted to see clearly in the dark coupled with even more prominent ears, you may wonder how aye-ayes could be related to humans.
Like other primates, aye-ayes also have a 93 percent DNA compatibility with humans. But again, as science currently observes, they appear to evolve to become more like squirrels.
3. They rely on echolocation
Echolocation is a fascinating ability that is peculiar to aye-ayes alone. It entails using the sound waves an object emits to locate it.
Aye-ayes use this ability when hunting for food, especially in trees. When they have located a larva for dinner, they tap on the tree to pinpoint its precise location. Then they yank the bark away, exposing and devouring their prey with a fantastic speed. The feeding method is called percussive foraging.
4. They do not socialize
Most nocturnal creatures isolate themselves. They hunt at night, sleep during the day, and spend all this time in their own company. Sure, we have observed a pair of aye-ayes foraging together occasionally, but that is the extent of it.
They do not stray into each other’s territories, save for the males who want to mate. It is also unheard of for these nocturnal creatures to groom each other, as other species do.
5. Aye-ayes have pseudo-thumbs
Aye-ayes also bear a close resemblance to humans through their pseudo-thumbs. Studies have recently unveiled that these extra fingers are hidden near the wrist and are made from cartilage, bone, and muscles. It is even more fascinating that these creatures have distinct fingerprints too.
Their hands look like spiders when they use them to hold branches while climbing. Indeed, this can be frightening, especially because they look like sizable spiders.
6. The locals believe aye-ayes are evil creatures
Well, it is understandable if the locals think aye-ayes are evil. After all, they look like nightmarish and creepy-crawlies with their oversized ears, eyes, and fingers.
If you saw one hanging from a tree, you would probably get scared and bolt away.
It is commonly believed that these creatures are cursed and unlucky – they have also been called bad omens and bringers of evil. Many innocent aye-ayes have been killed for all these reasons and less.
7. It is an endangered species
Unfortunately, the aye-aye has been listed among the world’s endangered species. Until a century ago, we widely believed that they had gone into extinction.
Although we cherished and cared for them when we rediscovered their existence, they are still endangered species because of the beliefs of the Malagasy people.