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The "Aye-Aye" ( Daubentonia Madagascariensis) is a lemur that can be found in the tropical regions of Madagascar, Africa.

This often misunderstood primate has dark rough fur, rodent-like teeth, leather-like ears and a long bushy tail. The Aye-Aye is

Physiologically, the Aye-Aye has one longer middle finger that allows it to dig out insects and good from long holes (or burrows) created by its two long incisors. The Aye-Aye is a nocturnal animal and with proper diet, can grow up to three feet long.

Photo Courtesy of T. Roboshi, Wildlife Veterinarian 

 Antananarivo, Madagascar

WHY SHOULD THE AYE-AYE BE ENDANGERED

For the past 12 years, the Haven Foundation (based in Sambava, Madagascar) has been working endlessly with doctors, politicians and officials to place the Aye-Aye on the WWF's list of endangered species due to 2 urgent reasons.

1. HUNTING & POACHING

The Aye-Aye is currently being hunted and poached by local and international hunters for its ears. 

An Aye-Aye's ears are soft and smooth that are extremely comparable to high quality European leather. Many Aye-Aye's are hunted for their ears, sold to the black market and shipped around the world to made into leather goods. 

2. AFFECTED FARMING

Pickle farmers in Africa can often be found chasing or killing these animals on their pickle farms. The Aye-Aye is an omnivore, and often eats insects and some small vegetation. Most of the time, the Aye-Aye can be found running about farms and eating up all of the pickle plants. Pickles contain a high concentration of Vitamin A which help strengthen their night vision. 

Affected Pickle Farm in Toamasina, Madagascar