Unshrouding Narratives, Beliefs, and Practices Related to the Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in Eastern Madagascar

Abstract Ethnoprimatology emphasizes the complex sociocultural dimensions of human-alloprimate interactions, often overlooked in conservation practices and narratives shaped by ecological perspectives alone. In Madagascar, lemurs are deeply embedded in local traditions structured around taboos, legends, and kinship beliefs. Among them, the aye-aye ( Daubentonia madagascariensis ) is frequently subject to a narrative portraying it as an evil animal, an omen, or a harbinger of misfortune. Yet, cultural representations of the aye-aye across Madagascar are far more diverse. While some reports describe ritual killings, others recount respectful mortuary practices bestowed upon these primates. We explored the beliefs, narratives, and practices associated with the aye-aye in three regions of eastern Madagascar. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative and qualitative data from 219 semistructured interviews with grounded theory methodology and developed an interpretive framework for understanding the species’ cultural representations. Our results revealed a wide variety of traditions, including magical and therapeutic uses of aye-aye body parts and three legends underpinning these belief systems. We propose that these traditions stem from the belief that the aye-aye is inhabited by a spirit, whether evil or ancestral. Responses to its perceived nefarious powers vary from ritual display of the killed animal to mortuary practices comparable to human funerals. These findings urge a shift away from reductive narratives long popularized in recent decades, recognizing complexity and site-specificity. Similar to other contemporary ethnoprimatologists, we advocate for a cautious, context-sensitive approach to both reporting lemur-related traditions and designing conservation programs, emphasizing the need for carefully considering the religious systems that underlie practices involving threatened species.