Golden Lion Tamarins Found A Clever Way To Keep Their Population Size Steady In The Face Of Predation

Lion tamarins take their name from their impressive manes—thick rings of hair reminiscent of Africa’s great cats.

The golden lion tamarin may be the most beautiful of the four lion tamarin species. Its abundant golden hair frames a charismatic black face and covers its small body and tail. Despite their name, these rare primates have far more in common with their monkey relatives than any feline.

Golden Lion tamarins have long, narrow hands and long fingers that they use to probe for insects under tree bark or inside a curled, dried leaves. However, they cannot grip objects very well because their thumbs are not completely opposable.

Behavior

The golden lion tamarin forms social family groups. Males help to raise their offspring, and often carry their young on their backs in between feedings.

Golden lion tamarins have evolved a clever way to keep their population size steady in the face of predation. They almost always give birth to twins.

Golden lions live primarily in the trees. They sleep in hollows at night and forage by day while traveling from branch to branch. Long fingers help them stay aloft and snare insects, fruit, lizards, and birds.

Threats to Survival

These interesting animals are threatened, as are many of the forests in which they live.

Brazil’s Atlantic coastal rain forests are disappearing due to ever-expanding logging, agriculture, and industry, and unfortunately, the golden lion tamarin is in danger of vanishing with them.