Aye-Aye and I

''In the gloom it came along the branches towards me, its round, hypnotic eyes blazing, its spoon-like ears turning to and fro independently like radar dishes . . . it was Lewis Carroll''s Jabberwocky come to life . . . one of the most incredible creatures I had ever been privileged to meet.''

The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to woodlice the size of golf balls, moths the s...