Quick answer
The aye-aye is Madagascar's largest nocturnal lemur, with rodent-like ever-growing teeth, huge ears, and a skeletal middle finger for tapping wood to locate grubs. Weighing about 3 kg, living up to 23 years, and listed Endangered, it faces persecution from folklore linking it to bad omens.
Key takeaway
The aye-aye is Madagascar's largest nocturnal lemur, with rodent-like ever-growing teeth, huge ears, and a skeletal middle finger for tapping wood to locate grubs. Weighing about 3 kg, living up to 23 years, and listed Endangered, it faces persecution from folklore linking it to bad omens.
Aye-aye overview
Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is an mammal listed here as Endangered. Typical weight 2–3 kg (4.4–6.6 lb); lifespan around 20–23 years in the wild (long-lived for a lemur).
Aye-aye ecology
Diet: Omnivore — insect larvae, fruit, nectar, and fungi. Habitat: Rainforests and coconut plantations of Madagascar. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Aye-ayes and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild aye-ayes are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Endangered. See the full Aye-aye profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild aye-ayes.
Human interest and research
Aye-ayes feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Aye-aye FAQs
What are key facts about aye-ayes?
The aye-aye is Madagascar's largest nocturnal lemur, with rodent-like ever-growing teeth, huge ears, and a skeletal middle finger for tapping wood to locate grubs. Weighing about 3 kg, living up to 23 years, and listed Endangered, it faces persecution from folklore linking it to bad omens.
What is the scientific name of the aye-aye?
Daubentonia madagascariensis — used in research and conservation listings for aye-ayes.
What do aye-ayes eat?
Aye-ayes eat insect larvae, fruit, nectar, and fungi, with seasonal and regional variation in Rainforests and coconut plantations of Madagascar.
Where do aye-ayes live?
They are associated with Rainforests and coconut plantations of Madagascar. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of aye-ayes?
Listed in our guides as Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.