Researchers studying an unusual Madagascan lemur have witnessed the nocturnal creature picking its nose and eating the mucus.
The Aye Aye, a cat-sized primate, which lives in the forests of the Indian Ocean island, was known to use its exceptionally long middle finger to hunt for insect grubs in hollow logs.
But for the first time it’s been recorded sticking its finger up its nose and then licking it clean.
Similar behaviour has been seen in other primates, including humans, prompting scientists to suspect the unpalatable activity could have health benefits.
It’s thought nasal mucus may contain proteins beneficial to an animal’s immune system.