The Zoological Society of London works to raise awareness and conservation effots for endangered species. Last month they published their list of the 100 weirdest amphibians and last year, they allowed guests to donate cash to any of 10 different species. The only hitch is that the more cuter species received donations while less attractive ones were left out in the cold.

Now the society has released a list of the 10 most cosmetically challenged species in hopes that people will realize these creatures need love to - despite their lack of cudliness or visual appeal. The list was devised after the society discovered that 85 per cent of endangered amphibians received very little support and conservation efforts.

Over the next couple of days, we'll feature some of these oft-ignored species in hopes that their unusual appearance can be overlooked and their value still recognized.

Today's species is the aye-aye. I originally chose it from the list because I hadn't heard of one before and the name caught my eye. The photos of this creature prove they deserves their unusual name because their appearance is equally unique. In fact, residents of Madagascar are so terrifed of this species they will kill them on the spot. No wonder they're endangered! The aye-aye finds finds its food in an usual manner: to find grubs, it will tap its middle finger on trees and then gnaw holes into the wood with rodent-like teeth, using its finger to pull the grubs out once within reach.

The aye-aye's large eyes and deer-caught-in-headlights expression are common characteristics of the creature, contributing to its startling appearance. And appropriately enough, the aye-aye's have a long, thin middle finger which can measure up to three times longer than its other fingers. I can only assume that prominent finger comes in handy when those nasty Madagascarians (is that even a word?) are chasing them down.

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