I have conducted research on the aye-aye, a bizarre nocturnal lemur, for approximately 5 years. I spent two field seasons investigating the presence and distribution of this enigmatic primate across primary and secondary forest. I completed my masters (Farris, 2006) at University of Arkansas at Little Rock studying the aye-aye at Ranomafana National Park and Nosy Mangabe Reserve. I am currently working on two publications from this research.
During my masters research in 2005 I worked with Tiger Aspect Productions to film a documentary on aye-ayes entitled "Final Chance to Save." The documentary featured actress Miranda Richardson and aired in July 2007 on the BBC. Our work focused on the plight of the aye-aye across Madagascar as it faces intense pressures from forest fragmentation and local fady (taboo). Aye-ayes are seen are harbingers of evil and Malagasy often kill them upon sight for fear that they will bring death to their village. This documentary highlighted the peculiar features and behaviors of this unique lemur. Additionally, our work educated the public on the intense pressures threatening the aye-aye and raised money for non-governmental conservation agencies working in Madagascar to protect the aye-aye and the unique, endemic wildlife found there.
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