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Golden lion tamarin Facts

Golden lion tamarin Facts
Golden lion tamarin is a species of monkey. This beautiful animal inhabits swampy rainforests on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. 90% of their habitat has been already destroyed as a result of deforestation and increased agriculture. There are only 1500 golden lion tamarins left in the wild. Golden lion tamarins born in the zoos are often re-introduced to the wild as a part of conservation plans aimed to prevent their extinction. Despite these efforts, golden lion tamarin is still seriously endangered animal that is facing uncertain future.
Interesting Golden lion tamarin Facts:
Golden lion tamarin is a small monkey. It can reach 6 to 10 inches in length and between 17 and 24 pounds in weight. Golden lion tamarin has 12 to 15 inches long tail.
Golden lion tamarin is covered with orange (golden) fur. Its tail and forepaws are brown in color.
Golden lion tamarins are not close relatives of lions. They are named that way because they have manes.
Thumbs of golden lion tamarins are not fully opposable and their big toes are positioned backward. These features are not seen in other monkeys.
Golden lion tamarin spends its life in the trees (arboreal animal). Unlike other monkeys, it doesn't have prehensile tail (it moves without using the tail).
Golden lion tamarin is diurnal animal (active during the day).
Golden lion tamarin sleeps in the holes in trees during the night.
Golden lion tamarin is an omnivore (animal that consumes plants and other animals). It eats fruit, flowers, nectar, eggs, insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds. Long digits and sharp claws facilitate extraction of invertebrates hidden in holes in the trees.
Main predators of golden lion tamarins are wild cats, birds of prey and snakes.
Golden lion tamarin lives in a family group composed of dominant male, female and their offspring. Group usually consists of 2 to 8 members.
Golden lion tamarins use various sounds for communication. Social bonds are maintained via grooming and sharing of food. Older members of the group will give their food to the younger members.
Golden lion tamarins occupy territory of 100 acres. They use scent marks and songs to advertise their presence on a certain territory. They will defend it fiercely against all intruders.
Mating season takes place from September to March. During fruitful seasons, females can have two offspring in a single year.
Pregnancy in females lasts 4.5 months and ends with 2 babies. All members of the group take care of the babies. Father plays the most important role and carries the babies on his back between the feedings. Only 50% of babies survive their first year of life.
Golden lion tamarin can survive over 20 years in captivity and up to 8 years in the wild.


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