Scientific Name：Leontopithecus rosalia

Author:Nick Peters

Category：Mammals

Year：Undated

Size:Length:27 x Width:21 x Height:41 (cm)

Introduction：The golden lion tamarins is a group of small monkeys that live in Central and South America. The golden lion tamarin's name derives from its bright reddish orange pelage and long hairs around the face and ears, giving it a lion-like mane. The golden lion tamarin is the largest of the Callitrichinae. The body length is around 50cm with a tail 30cm long. Males and females look alike. The golden lion tamarin is considered to be a more primitive primate and is a member of New World monkeys.

Due to a large diet of tree sap, the front teeth of the golden lion tamarin have adapted and protrude out slightly, making it easier to gnaw on tree barks. Golden lion tamarins are highly social animals. A group usually consists of eight or fewer individuals, with a single breeding pair leading the group. During the daytime, they are active on the branches, while at night they sleep in tree holes. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, worms, shoots, flowers and fruits.

Deforestation, urbanization and poaching have threatened the golden lion tamarin’s habitat and survival. Thus, it was listed as an endangered species in 1982.

Accession Number:0009126