THE ISLAND OF MADAGASCAR, off the coast of Africa, is the only place in the world where the aye-aye lives. This bushy-tailed, big-eared mammals is found in rain forests. It is a member of the primate order, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans.
The aye-aye spends the day sleeping in a ballshaped nest made of leaves and branches. The animal builds its nest in the fork of a large tree. Each round nest has a hole in the side through which the aye-aye enters and leaves. The nest is a closed, safe place for the animal to rest.
The aye-aye wakes up when the sun goes down. It climbs through the trees searching for food. Sometimes it dangles from a branch by its legs. With its long, thin fingers, the aye-aye grooms itself. The animal's middle finger is even longer and thinner than the others. It looks like a dry, bent twig. Using this finger, the aye-aye can get insect larvae from under tree bark. The animal listens for the sounds of larvae, then quickly gnaws a hole in the bark with its long middle finger and removes the larvae. Aye-ayes also use their middle fingers to scoop out the juice and meat of coconuts.
Female aye-ayes have one offspring at a time. They give birth to tiny young in their nests in the trees. Except for females with offspring, aye-ayes usually live alone.
INFO
Aye-aye
Length of head and body: 14-17 in (34-43 cm); tail, 22-24 in (56-61 cm)
Weight: 4 lb (2 kg)
Habitat and Range: rain forests of Madagascar
Food: insect larvae and fruit
Life Span: as long as 5 years in captivity
Reproduction: 1 young after a pregnancy of unknown length