The scientific name of the Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) these genus and species.

Its cranial and dental traits are comparable to that of the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), suggesting a possible close relationship.

Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

ARKive - images and movies of the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

Alternatively, it may have closer ties to the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) within the lemuroid (lemur) radiation.

The aye-aye's binomial name, Daubentonia madagascariensis, honors the French naturalist Louis-Jean-Marie Daubenton and the island on which it is found, Madagascar.

The 'Aye-aye' ('Daubentonia madagascariensis') is a strepsirrhine native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth with a long, thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker.

The taboos surrounding the aye-ayes are so pervasive that some think the primate, whose scientific name is Daubentonia madagascariensis, gained its common name as a spinoff of the Malagasy expression for "I don't know," suggesting that even to mention the creature is forbidden.

In the two and a half decades since Douglas and I arrived to look for aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), the country's human population has doubled from roughly 10 million to more than 20 million, and that means more and more pressure on its natural resources.

"Aye aye," came the reply on the other end of the line.

"Aye aye, but I sure hope we know what we're doing."

A cloud of miserable "Aye ayes" rose and dropped away.

"Aye aye, sir; my grandfather always said the same thing."

Oh for goodness sake how can I possibly see anything aye aye!

"Aye aye, Sir," the chief of staff acknowledged after a brief pause.

"Aye aye, sir," the woman said, and walked back toward the hall's main doors.

"Aye aye, sir; I was, though, and all is well."

"Aye aye, sir.," The buildings of the town ended abruptly.

I should be certain, if the boat had not answered "aye aye".'

'Aye aye, sir', Martin said and then looked almost shy.

"Aye aye, Steve," he said quietly, and went out through the drawn curtain.

He'll say, 'Aye aye, and maybe he's in the right of it.'

"Aye aye," Robby said, still smiling but seeing the logic and desperation of the moment.

"Aye aye, sir," Clark replied, using the naval term that had been part of his life a long time ago.

"Aye aye, sir," Collier said and dived below to start his search.

"Dead slow, aye aye," the junior officer there answered.

"Aye aye, sir," Mindell replied, and he left the room.

'Aye aye, sir,' the second lieutenant said, thankful that it had passed off so easily.

"Aye aye, sir," Martin said doubtfully, knowing this was a test.

"Aye aye, sir," Kim acknowledged in a voice that breathed relief.

"Aye aye, sir," the ensign said, and fell into step behind Willie.

He said, "Aye aye, sir," and put the duffel bag down.

"Aye aye, sir," Uhura said, and spoke into her mike.

Conservationists are also taking a hands-on approach to caring for Madagascar's unusual aye ayes.