Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia
IUCN red list status:
Endangered
For more information, please visit iucnredlist.org
Golden Lion Tamarins live in the Lowland Atlantic forests of Brazil, around Rio de Janeiro.
They are omnivorous and their diet consists of vegetation, fruits and insects. They forage among rotten bark and epiphytes, such as orchids and bromeliads for food.
Tamarins live in social groups, typically 2-8 members, usually a breeding pair and their offspring. Primarily live in trees, travelling from branch to branch by climbing and leaping, using their tail for balance.
All members of the group will carry and care for the infants as twins and triplets are often born. Golden Lion Tamarins can live up to 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
Golden Lion Tamarin
About the Golden Lion Tamarin
The Golden Lion Tamarin is the largest species of the Tamarin monkey. These charismatic primates get their name from their fine mane of golden hair. Golden lion tamarins usually sleep in tree holes. They will also sleep in bamboo, vine tangles and bromeliads. This species use their long fingers to forage for prey in nooks and crannies in plants and trees.
These stunning primates are very nearly extinct and are facing increasing threats. We proudly support ‘Save the Golden Lion Tamarin’ charity, which is working towards restoring Golden Lion Tamarin habitats and to educate local people about the conservation of the environment, especially the Atlantic Forest.
Did you know?
These monkeys are vital for forest plants, their poo deposits a wide range of seeds, along with fertilizer, all around their home range.
