Local ecological knowledge about pest control offers novel perspectives for Aye-aye conservation

Holinirina Beby Rabemananjara ^1* Christof Bodenburg ^2* Dominik Schüßler ² Yazdan Asadi ² Joelisoa Ratsirarson ¹ Josia Razafindramanana ¹ Hantanirina Rasamimanana ¹ Torsten Richter ² Anke Meisert ²

• ¹ University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
• ² University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) offers valuable insights into human-wildlife relationships and bears the potential to improve the conservation of controversial species. This study explores the LEK about the Endangered and elusive Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) among clove farmers in northeastern Madagascar. Traditionally associated with superstition and negative perceptions that lead to targeted killings, clove farming experts emphasized the positive effect that an Aye-aye has, by suppressing invertebrate pest species. Through surveys (n = 392) and expert interviews (n = 6) across 21 village communities, we assessed how knowledge about ecological interactions underlies this benefit perception. About 44% of the respondents related the Aye-aye to pest control in clove agroforestry. Knowledge of the Aye-aye's insectivory was identified as a critical factor influencing benefit perception. Gender, socio-economic activities, and geographic location thereby also shaped the distribution of benefit knowledge. This study underscores the importance of benefit-based narratives to address negative perceptions. It demonstrates how assessing LEK can provide an evidence base for conservation actions tailored to local socio-ecological contexts.