The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is endemic to Brazil. Golden lion tamarins live in the closed canopy, where they live 10 to 30 meters off the ground. They sleep in tree holes for protection. Golden lion tamarins are one of the rarest animals in the world, according to some environmentalists. Estimates are that there are only 1000 left in the wild. Its habitat has been destroyed and broken up by logging and agriculture. Because of this populations became isolated, which resulted in inbreeding, likely to result in extinction. To make things worse, there is only one breeding pair per group. The golden lion tamarin certainly is one of the most endangered primates on the planet. Reintroduction programs are successful, but the continuing destruction of its habitat gives less hope. It is hunted by birds of prey, large cats and snakes. The golden lion tamarin can become 15 years of age. Their diet consists of snails, spiders, eggs, birds, fruits, vegetables and small lizards. Links
Range of the golden lion tamarin from Natureserve
Which zoos have them?
Artis (Netherlands), Brookfield Zoo (United States), Dublin Zoo (Ireland), Los Angeles Zoo (United States) and Smithsonian National Zoological Park (United States)The Golden lion tamarin is listed as Endangered (EN), considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Countries
BrazilSome facts about the
Golden lion tamarin
Adult weight : 0.655 kg (1.441 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 32 years
Female maturity :547 days
Male maturity : 730 days
Gestation : 128 days
Weaning : 131 days
Litter size : 2
Litters per year : 2
Interval between litters : 189 days
Weight at birth : 0.055 kg (0.121 lbs)
Weight at weaning : 0.165 kg (0.363 lbs)
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