Do You Know Aye-aye — The Strangest And Largest Nocturnal Primate?

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Good day Steemians... Aye-aye...have you ever heard that name. I know most of us have not, if not all of us. Likewise myself; I don't know about this ugliest of creatures until i decided to write on animals following @steemiteducation assignment or steemhomework rather. I must give kudos to @steemiteducation, a curation project that encourages research on animals among other things, depending on its weekly assignments/steemhomework.

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The decision to write on this animal is, firstly, to create awareness around it since unlike other primates that are found in all continents and almost in all countries, Aye-aye is not. Hence, most people don't know about Aye-aye. Secondly, this tropical rainforests and deciduous forests dwelling animal that's only found in parts of North Eastern Madagascar is currently facing extinction because of deeply held superstitious belief that it is a bad omen and causes death. For this reason, Aye-aye is unjustly hacked to death on sights at will by locals of Madagascar villages where Aye-aye is found. In fact, in some cases, people who are afraid that Aye-aye's appearance at night must result to death of someone would normally go for Aye-aye hunting operation to search out Aye-aye and kill before it kills people.

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This negative attitude on the part of locals, in addition to the fact that once natural forest homes of Aye-aye are being cleared for construction and development purposes, have contributed immensely to the current endangered state of Aye-aye. Today, authorities are coming up with polices such as captive breeding programs and setting up of special Nature Reserves exclusive for Aye-aye, all in bid to ensure they are protected from possible extinction.

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More than than that, the locals of villages where Aye-aye is naturally found in Madagascar need to understand that this special creature is nocturnal in nature. It is their nature to be active at nights just like any other nocturnal animal. Again, the way they look is just their natural appearance, and not associated with any badluck whatsoever. I am of he opinion that education of local should be incorporated in the current intervention programmes geared towards preservation of Aye-aye.

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Special Facts About Aye-aye

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• Body weight is the only distinctive feature between Male and female Aye-ayes. Usually male Aye-aye weighs about 5.9 pounds while the female weighs 5.5. Without their weight differences, it is very hard to tell which is male or female.

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• Aye-aye is not a social animal. It likes to keep alone and doesn't move in groups. It only associates with other Aye-ayes for mating purposes. Females who are ready for mating communicate male Aye-ayes through special vocal signals. Usually, strongest male would fight off other males in order to mate with the female that has communicated her readiness.

• Female Aye-ayes exhibit persistent oogenesis which is described as ability to reproduce throughout life. They don't have special reproduction age limits. For as long as they remain alive, they can produce eggs, and so can get pregnant.

• Like Rodents, Aye-aye's teeth grow throughout life. This explains why they bite on woods a lot in order to keep their teeth in shape.

• Aye-aye is the largest nocturnal primate.

• Female Aye-ayes carry their young in the mouth when they sense danger.

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There are many other interesting facts about this ugly creature that you will definitely find worthy of reading. For this reason, I will endeavor to include sources for further reading.

Thanks for your time.

Na Your Naija Boi, Euro.

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Follow @eurogee and @euronation

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References for further reading

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