ANIMAL: Golden Lion Tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia Type of Animal: New World Monkey Habitat: Tropical forest, cultivated areas Location(s): Atlantic coast of Brazil Appearance: Orange-gold color, predominant lion-like mane on both sexes, long tail, gray face. Food/Diet: Fruit, insects, insect larvae, gum, nectar, flowers, vegetables, exudates, eggs, snails, spiders, frogs, small birds, lizards, small snakes, sap, latex Status in Wild: Endangered Conservation: Breeding in zoos, aquariums, & wildlife parks. Reintroduction programs releasing captive-born animals into Brazil. Lifestyle: Troops comprise of breeding pair & up to 3 sets of offspring. Some troops have multiple breeding adults of both sexes-usually siblings of dominant pair. They’re can be up to 12 sets of offspring in a troop. Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young-Infant Group-Troop Weight: Male-1.56 lbs Female-1.19 lbs Young-4.8 oz Gestation: 4 months Height: 0.85 ft Body Length: 1.08-1.25 ft Life Span: 8 years in wild, up to 20 years in captivity Tail Length: 0.83-1.25 ft Main predators are felids, raptors, snakes, bush dogs, domestic dogs, coatis, & tayras. Troops very territorial sometimes killing intruders. Many zoos have participated in reintroduction programs releasing captive-bred specimens into Brazil. Endangered due to deforestation, logging, habitat loss, pet trade, mining, air pollution, disease, & poaching. Territories can be as large as 100 acres. They make lots of noise in order to claim territory. They’re diurnal (active during the day). Males sexually mature at 1 year old, females at 2 years old. Fun Fact(s): They’re rather friendly & gentle animals. All troop members play strong role in caring for young. Thumbs are not fully opposable.
