Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) Fact Sheet: Population & Conservation Status

Little known on population size or dynamics (from Andriaholinirina et al. 2014)

• Thought to occur at low densities (Perry et al. 2013)
• Elusive, nocturnal behavior makes study of this species difficult
  • Expected to have extremely low genetic diversity; lowest of all lemur taxa
• Large-scale habitat loss suggests population decline (from Andriaholinirina et al. 2014)
  • Exacerbated by hunting

Population structure

• Northern population is genetically distinct (Perry et al. 2013)

IUCN Status

• Endangered (2018 assessment) (Louis et al. 2020)
  • Sharp population declines since 1980s
  • Main threats are hunting and loss of habitat

CITES Status

• Appendix I (UNEP 2019)

Other Status

• Class A of the African Convention, 1969 (Harcourt 1990)

Habitat loss (Andriaholinirina et al. 2014)

• Trees harvested for use in construction
• Removal of trees, such as Intsia bjuga and Canarium madagascariensis, whose seeds are dietary staples for the species
• Wood used for construction of boats, houses, and coffins

Hunted by humans (from Andriaholinirina et al. 2014)

• Used as a food source
• Killed to limit crop loss
• Farmers target aye-aye when they consume agricultural crops (e.g. coconuts)
• Persecuted as a result of associated human cultural beliefs
• Killed to ward off misfortune; it is seen as a harbinger of evil in some areas

Populations within protected areas

• Occurs in numerous protected areas (Andriaholinirina et al. 2014)
• 13 national parks, 7 nature reserves, and 13 special reserves
  • Population size in these areas unknown

Introduced populations

• Established on Nosy Mangabe island in 1966/1967 in an attempt to help preserve the species (Ganzhorn and Rabesoa 1986; Harcourt 1990)
• 9 founding individuals
• Established on Ile Roger (also known as "Aye-aye Island")

Recommended actions (from Harcourt 1990 unless otherwise noted)

• Establish conservation/education and development programs for local people
• Improve enforcement of laws against killing aye-ayes (and other lemurs)
• Establish compensation programs for local people with crop damage due to aye-ayes

Andriaholinirina et al. (2014)
Ganzhorn and Rabesoa (1986)
Harcourt (1990)
Perry et al. (2013)