Golden lion tamarin

Leontopithecus rosalia

Irish Name: Leon tamarin órga

IUCN Status: Endangered

The golden lion tamarin is a species of small monkey native to Brazil. They have a reddish-gold mane, which is the origin of their common name. Golden lion tamarins have long tails that help them balance as they move from branch to branch in their forest habitat. They have long thin fingers on their hands that help them dig in crevices for food.

Golden lion tamarin

Leontopithecus rosalia

Irish Name: Leon tamarin órga

IUCN Status: Endangered

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Golden lion tamarins are found in only one area in the wild – the lowland portion of the Amazon rainforest in Southeast Brazil.

How long do they live?

Up to 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

Golden lion tamarins eat fruits, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates such as frogs and lizards. Their long slender fingers help them reach into crevices to dig out food.

Group name

Troop

Zoo location

South American House

Closest related species / sister species

The closest relative of the golden lion tamarin is the three other species of the genus Leontopithecus: the Golden-headed lion tamarin, black lion tamarin and black-faced lion tamarin.

Animal class

Mammalia

Animal order

Primates

Fun Facts

Golden colour

The bright colour of the golden lion tamarin’s coat is thought to be due to sunlight exposure and the presence of carotenoids (plant pigments) in their diet.
In zoos that do not get as much sun exposure (like here at Dublin Zoo), gold lion tamarins are given vitamin D supplements as their body cannot make this without sunlight. These vitamin D supplements also help to keep their bright orange colour.

Twins

Golden lion tamarins usually give birth to twins, which is uncommon for primates.

Endangered

Golden lion tamarins were on the brink of extinction in the 1960s, with fewer than 200 individuals left in the wild. Following major conservation efforts, this number has increased to over 2500 as of 2018. In 2003, their conservation status was changed from Critically Endangered to Endangered.

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Family Life

Golden lion tamarins live in family groups of on average 6 individuals including one breeding pair. The whole group helps take care of the young. At night, family groups sleep together in the hollows of trees.

Baby name

Infant

Gestation (pregnancy) period

4 months

Number of young at birth

Weight at birth

50-60g

Age at maturity

18-24 months

Size adult

Approximately 25-35cm in height and 500-700g in weight, with little difference between males and females.

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Conservation

Endangered

The golden lion tamarin is classified as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Current population estimate

Approximately 2500 as of 2018.

Threats

The major threat facing the golden lion tamarin is the destruction and fragmentation of their forest habitats due to the building of roads and houses in these areas. Other threats include yellow fever, capture for the pet trade and competition with introduced species.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Since 2000, Dublin Zoo has supported the Golden Lion Tamarin Association. This is an international conservation initiative that aims to conserve golden lion tamarins and their habitat. Their work involves a variety of conservation initiatives including tracking family groups, using radio-collars, conducting studies on diet and habitat use, moving isolated groups into larger reserves, habitat restoration and environmental education programmes.

Dublin Zoo also participates in the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme for golden lion tamarins.

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