Why is the golden lion tamarin endangered?

Deforestation of Brazil's Atlantic coastal forest fragmented its habitat and shrank the wild population to roughly 200 individuals by the 1960s.

Has the species recovered?

Yes. Through habitat protection, reintroduction, and captive breeding programs, the population has grown to an estimated several thousand individuals, though it remains Endangered.

Golden Lion Tamarinゴールデンライオンタマリン

Leontopithecus rosaliaEN— Endangered

The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is a small, strikingly orange primate endemic to the Atlantic coastal forests of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Named for the mane-like fur framing its face, it lives in small family groups and feeds mainly on fruit supplemented by insects and small vertebrates. Once reduced to about 200 individuals, it has become one of primatology's leading conservation success stories, though it remains classified as Endangered.

Golden Lion Tamarin (reference photo) — Photo: Daderot / CC0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Primates / Callitrichidae Source
Size: 25–31 cm (tail 31.5–40 cm)
Weight: 0.6–0.9 kg
Lifespan: Over 15 years
Diet: Omnivore Omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar, tree gum, insects, land snails, frogs, lizards, and bird eggs; fruit makes up more than 80% of the diet
Activity: Diurnal
Distribution: Endemic to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil, restricted to the São João River basin area of Rio de Janeiro state. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Numbers fell to an estimated 200 individuals in the 1960s but have since recovered to roughly 2,500-4,800 through habitat protection and captive breeding, making it a celebrated conservation success story. Source
Extra-long hairs around its face and ears form a mane-like ruff, the source of its 'lion tamarin' name. Source
It has claw-like nails rather than flat nails, an adaptation suited to probing tree bark for insect prey. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Endangered (EN)

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is the golden lion tamarin endangered?: Deforestation of Brazil's Atlantic coastal forest fragmented its habitat and shrank the wild population to roughly 200 individuals by the 1960s. Source
Has the species recovered?: Yes. Through habitat protection, reintroduction, and captive breeding programs, the population has grown to an estimated several thousand individuals, though it remains Endangered. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org