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Dauebntoniidae Family -- Aye-aye
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The Aye-aye is one of the world's most bizarre creatures with its long twig-like middle finger, huge eyes, rat-like teeth, and large bat-like ears. This nocturnal lemur, first classified as a rodent, uses its long middle finger as a tool for finding insects. After tapping the tree bark, it uses its sensitive hearing to detect the movement of insect larvae. Studies have found that the aye-aye is capable of sensing insect movement at a depth of 12 feet.
Sadly this odd creature is endangered by both habitat destruction in northeastern Madagascar and widespread persecution by native Malagasy as an harbinger of bad luck.
| Common Name | | Scientific Name | | Nocturnal |
| Aye-aye | | Daubentonia madagascariensis | | x |
This table is derived from the Bradt Travel Guide to Madagascar 2001.
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