Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Aye-aye

Scientific name: Daubentonia madagascariensis


Aye-aye

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Family: DAUBENTONIIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-31.12

Gestation: 45 à 50 jours

Births: 31.12-15.01


Habitat:
Tropical rainforests

Description:
The Aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur endemic to Madagascar, known for its strange appearance, notably its extremely long and thin middle finger which it uses to extract insects and larvae from tree trunks. It is a shy and secretive animal, primarily living in the tropical forests of the island. Due to its unique feeding method, it is sometimes viewed as an omen of misfortune by local populations, though its ecological role in maintaining forest balance is crucial. The Aye-aye is listed as vulnerable due to deforestation and cultural beliefs surrounding it.

Recommended lens:
>=400 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph the Aye-aye at night using a wide-aperture lens to capture sharp images despite the low light. Use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the animal, as it is very shy. Moments when it is foraging or climbing trees are particularly interesting. Patience is key, as the Aye-aye is a stealthy animal and difficult to spot.

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