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Golden Lion Tamarin:
~Seaswept~
The golden lion tamarin belongs to the family Leontopithecus, which includes
four distinct species;
· the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia),
· the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas),
· the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara)
· and the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus).
While the golden lion tamarins are the most abundant, they only number about
600 in the wild.
They are currently found only in a small area of Brazil northeast of Rio de
Janeiro.
Head and body length: 7.9-13.2 inches (200-326 mm)
Tail length: 12.4-15.7 inches (315-400 mm)
Weight, females: 12.7-28 ounces (361-794 g)
Weight, males: 15.4-25 ounces (437-710 g)
Life Span: Approximately 15 years in the wild;
Longevity record in a zoo is about 30 years and still living.
The golden lion tamarins are constantly jumping from branch to branch, searching
for food or controlling their territory. Each group, formed by about six tamarins,
controls a small piece of forest, of up to 40 hectares, which provides food
and shelter. They search this territory for the fruits, nectar and insects
that make up their diet. Reproduction:Females will reach sexual maturity at
18 months, males at 24 months of age.
Golden lion tamarins are seasonal breeders, with mating
taking place May-July. The gestation period is
132-134 days.
In captivity, a female produces one or sometimes two litters a year, usually
consisting of twins.
Fascinating Facts
· Golden lion tamarin males' weight increases in May before breeding and
decreases during June-July!
· The females' milk is richer in protein and ash than other primate groups!
· Golden lion tamarins have claws instead of fingernails, a trait shared by
all tamarins!
The tamarin's position in the wild is very unstable. The Atlantic coastal
rain forest has been almost completely developed for plantations, cattle grazing
and housing. Only a few isolated forest tracts remain. They have also been
captured for sale as pets in nearby cities. They are also susceptible to many
human diseases like measles and various viruses. Golden lion tamarins reproduced
poorly in captivity until studies determined the best group size and organization
for reproduction and rearing. They also suffered a high mortality rate in
captivity until zoos discovered that they need insects or meat protein in
their diet and vitamin D from sunlight. The numbers in North American zoos
have multiplied from 70 tamarins in 1969 to around 500 animals in 1995. The
number of institutions involved in the international management programs now
totals 140 worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, the Middle
East, Asia and South America. A golden lion tamarin
biological reserve was created in Brazil in 1974. Poco das Antas is a 14,826
acre (6,000 ha) reserve located about 60 miles (100 km) northeast of Rio de
Janeiro. About 40% of the reserve has mature forest. Nearly 140 captive-bred
animals have been released in the Poco das Antas Biological Reserve and surrounding
areas since 1984. Animals from several different zoos are typically first
sent to the National Zoo in Washington, DC, where they are given a taste of
independence. They are free-ranged in a patch of woods on the zoo grounds,
constrained only by a psychological cage which keeps them near a nest box
and food source. After a few months of this training they are sent to the
Golden Lion Tamarin Project Headquarters at Poco das Antas. There they are
provided with nest boxes and food, but the food is moved farther and farther
away and gradually reduced to encourage natural foraging. Out of those successfully
reintroduced, 30 have survived to date, and have successfully raised 95 offspring.
Some offspring are the result of pairings between captive and wild-born animals.
How You Can Help!
The effort to save endangered species requires cooperation and support at
the international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help
in this cause. Join and become active in a conservation organization of your
choice. Don't buy products made from wild animal parts.
Let your elected representatives know your views about protecting endangered
species and wild habitats.
Discover more about the golden lion tamarin and other primates by contacting:
Conservation International, 1015 18th St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036;
(202) 429-9489