The scientists created a 3D model using CT scans of the animal to discover that the digit extended deep into the head.
The animals' have a very long middle finger that is used for tapping on hollow wood to locate grubs and fish them out. However, now, researchers have produced video footage of the same finger being used for nose picking.The researchers further note in their study that once the animal picks its nose, it follows up by licking the nasal mucus collected.
She further explained that the whole middle finger disappeared up the creature's nose. "It is nearly 8cm – it is really long, and I was wondering where this finger is going," she said.To answer this question, the researchers created a 3D model using CT scans of the head and hand of the aye-aye and discovered that the digit extended deep into the head.
Nose-picking is quite common in species with fine manipulative skills. In the past, it has been recorded in at leastincluding humans, capuchins, macaques, chimpanzees, and orangutans. Some species go as far as using tools to do the job. At the moment, she speculates that the "texture, crunchiness, and saltiness" of mucus could be appealing to the ayes-ayes, that the activity may prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth or that it could boost immune responses. However, these are still all theories until they can be proven.
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