The Golden lion tamarin (GLT) was first listed as endangered in 1982 according to the International Union of Conservation (IUCN). After an assessment in 1996, IUCN classified the GLT as critically endangered. In 2003, after conservation efforts, the IUCN re-classified GLTs as endangered. GLTs are listed as a regionally threatened species in the state of Rio de Janeiro and listed in appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (IUCN, 2008). Several conservation efforts have contributed to the survival of Leontopithecus rosalia over the past 30-40 years (Kierulff et al., 2012). Breeding programs began in the late 1960’s, which led to the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation program being founded in 1983, and the establishment
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GLT’s get their common name from their orange/red hair color which is longer around their face, resembling a lion’s mane. GLTs range from 8 to 13 inches long, with a tail that is between 12 to 15 inches. About the size of a squirrel, adults weigh roughly 1.5 pounds (Kierulff et al., 2012). Males and females look similar with the exception of males being slightly larger than females. Reproduction often occurs via monogamy, however polyandry and polygyny has been observed. GLTs reproduce once or twice a year, most commonly giving birth to twins, which occurs about 78% of the time (Zeigler, 2010). The average life span of GLTs is 15 years in captivity and eight years in the wild. However, National Geographic has the oldest GLT documented at being 31 years old. Roughly 60% of GLTs survive to be at least one-year-old. GLTs are known to live in small groups, and all members help care for the offspring. The average group size consists of five individuals, although groups have been known to range from two to twelve (Kierulff et al., 2012). According to the Smithsonian Institute, GLTs are preyed upon by cats, snakes, hawks and other raptors. GLTs are omnivores with their diet consisting of fruit, nectar, plant exudates, and small animals such as amphibians and arthropods (Kierulff et al., 2012). An ecosystem role of GLTs is seed dispersing, this is important to the restoration of deforested areas and increasing diversity (Lapenta et al., 2008). GLTs prefer to sleep in tree holes, most commonly cacao trees (Oliveira, 2009). Although, GLTs have been observed sleeping in areas with dense bamboo, vine tangles, and bromeliads (Hankerson, 2008). Clearing forests destroys the GLT’s home and a portion of their food source. Daytime is typically the only time GLTs are active and almost always return to their sleeping site by dusk. It is estimated that GLTs have an average daily path length of 1400m (Dietz el
GLT’s get their common name from their orange/red hair color which is longer around their face, resembling a lion’s mane. GLTs range from 8 to 13 inches long, with a tail that is between 12 to 15 inches. About the size of a squirrel, adults weigh roughly 1.5 pounds (Kierulff et al., 2012). Males and females look similar with the exception of males being slightly larger than females. Reproduction often occurs via monogamy, however polyandry and polygyny has been observed. GLTs reproduce once or twice a year, most commonly giving birth to twins, which occurs about 78% of the time (Zeigler, 2010). The average life span of GLTs is 15 years in captivity and eight years in the wild. However, National Geographic has the oldest GLT documented at being 31 years old. Roughly 60% of GLTs survive to be at least one-year-old. GLTs are known to live in small groups, and all members help care for the offspring. The average group size consists of five individuals, although groups have been known to range from two to twelve (Kierulff et al., 2012). According to the Smithsonian Institute, GLTs are preyed upon by cats, snakes, hawks and other raptors. GLTs are omnivores with their diet consisting of fruit, nectar, plant exudates, and small animals such as amphibians and arthropods (Kierulff et al., 2012). An ecosystem role of GLTs is seed dispersing, this is important to the restoration of deforested areas and increasing diversity (Lapenta et al., 2008). GLTs prefer to sleep in tree holes, most commonly cacao trees (Oliveira, 2009). Although, GLTs have been observed sleeping in areas with dense bamboo, vine tangles, and bromeliads (Hankerson, 2008). Clearing forests destroys the GLT’s home and a portion of their food source. Daytime is typically the only time GLTs are active and almost always return to their sleeping site by dusk. It is estimated that GLTs have an average daily path length of 1400m (Dietz el