Chapter 1
Built for the dark and the bizarre biology of the aye-aye
Chapter 2
The great identity crisis and how science got it wrong
Chapter 3
Omens, taboos, and saving the world's strangest primate
YOUR GOAL
Master of The upside-down world of the Madagascar aye-aye
Ch 3 · Omens, taboos, and saving the world's strangest primate
alicecooks The Aye-Aye
They feared its tapping finger as a spooky curse, But saving this cool lemur is what we're putting first.
alicecooks These nocturnal lemurs weave twigs, vines, and leaves into secure shelters, emerging only after twilight to forage in
alicecooks Thick green rainforest blankets the isolated island sanctuary of Nosy Mangabe.
Fun Fact
Master nest builders: An individual aye-aye doesn't just use one nest; they construct and maintain up to twelve different nests throughout their territory.
Glossary
fady (noun)
A Malagasy cultural taboo or ritual prohibition that dictates forbidden behaviors, foods, or objects. This belief leads some Malagasy villagers to slaughter the nocturnal aye-aye, fearing its long finger brings death.
A Malagasy cultural taboo or ritual prohibition that dictates forbidden behaviors, foods, or objects. This belief leads some Malagasy villagers to slaughter the nocturnal aye-aye, fearing its long finger brings death.
Quiz
What is the Malagasy term for a traditional taboo or cultural superstition, such as those surrounding the aye-aye?
Quiz
What is the main reason modern conservationists visit Malagasy schools to teach children about the aye-aye?
Quiz
In what year did conservationists establish the famous aye-aye sanctuary on the island of Nosy Mangabe?
Quiz
What materials do aye-ayes use to construct their complex, spherical treetop nests?
Quiz
How many different nests can a single aye-aye build and maintain within its home range?