Golden-headed lion tamarin
Scientific name: Leontopithecus chrysomelas
IUCN listed as: Endangered
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Everyday
Diet
The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates like lizards. They also consume nectar and flowers, which provide them with essential sugars and hydration. These tamarins forage in the canopy, using their sharp claws to catch prey and access fruit. In captivity, their diet is replicated with a variety of fruits, insects, and specially formulated primate food to ensure balanced nutrition. This diverse diet supports their energetic lifestyle and vibrant health.
Golden-headed Lion Tamarins eat fruits, insects, and small animals like lizards. They also enjoy nectar and flowers. In zoos, they get a mix of fruits and insects to stay healthy. This diet helps them stay active and strong.
Breeding
Golden-headed Lion Tamarins typically breed once a year, with a gestation period of about four months. The female usually gives birth to twins, although single births and triplets can occur. Both parents, as well as other group members, help in raising the young, providing food and protection. The young tamarins are weaned at around 3-4 months but remain dependent on their family group for about a year. Successful breeding is vital for their conservation, especially given their endangered status.
These tamarins usually have babies once a year. The mother can have twins, and sometimes even triplets. Both parents and other group members help care for the babies. The young stay with their family for about a year before becoming independent.
Habitat
The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, specifically in the state of Bahia. They inhabit lowland and premontane tropical forests, preferring areas with dense vegetation and old-growth trees. These forests provide ample food sources and nesting sites. However, habitat destruction due to deforestation, agriculture, and urban development has severely fragmented their range. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these critical habitats to support the remaining populations.
Golden-headed Lion Tamarins live in the forests of Brazil. They need thick, old trees to find food and make nests. Many forests have been cut down, which makes it hard for them to survive. Protecting their homes is very important.
At the zoo
All of our golden-headed lion tamarins are owned by the Brazilian government. In compliance with the studbook requirements, we have separated the sexes to prevent further breeding within our group.
All of our golden-headed lion tamarins belong to the Brazilian government. To follow the rules, we have separated the males and females to stop them from having more babies.
Behaviour
Golden-headed Lion Tamarins are highly social animals, living in family groups of 4-8 individuals. They communicate using a variety of vocalisations, body language, and scent markings. These tamarins are diurnal, spending their days foraging for food and engaging in social activities like grooming and play. When threatened, they fluff up their fur to appear larger and more intimidating. Understanding their behaviour is key to developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring their survival in the wild.
These tamarins live in groups and talk to each other with sounds and smells. They are active during the day and spend time looking for food and playing. When scared, they make their fur stand up to look bigger. Knowing how they behave helps us protect them better.
Fun facts
- Bright Colours: Their golden mane and black body make them look like tiny lions.
- Social Life: They live in family groups and help each other with raising the young.
- Tree Dwellers: They spend most of their time in the trees.
- Sharp Claws: Their sharp claws help them climb and catch insects.
- Endangered Status: They are endangered due to habitat loss and need our protection.
- Colourful Fur: These tamarins have bright golden hair around their faces.
- Family Groups: They live in groups and everyone helps take care of the babies.
- Tree Climbers: They love to climb and live in trees.
- Sharp Claws: Their claws help them grab food and climb trees.
- Endangered: They are in danger because their forest homes are being cut down.
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