Golden-headed Lion Tamarin: here’s the scoop
threats
Just 2-5% of the golden-headed lion tamarin’s original habitat remains in Brazil. The remaining forests are being destroyed at an unprecedented rate for the region and the surviving populations are depleted and fragmented.
Committed to Conservation
The Buttonwood Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Golden-headed Lion Tamarins. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage animal populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population while enhancing the conservation of this species in the wild.
Species
Golden-headed Lion Tamarin
Scientific name
Leontopithecus chrysomelas
Habitat
Tall evergreen broadleaf tropical forests and semi-deciduous forests along the Atlantic coast from 10 to 33 feet in the canopy. They depend on tall, mature forest for its abundance of tree holes which they use as sleeping dens.
Diet
Frugivorous. They eat mostly fruits, flowers, nectar, plant exudates and occasional small invertebrates
Life Expectancy
15 – 20 years
Did you know?
There are only 57 golden-headed lion tamarins in 20 AZA accredited facilities.
Range
Eastern Brazil, in the southern portion of the state of Bahia
Conservation status
Endangered
High risk of extinction in the wild
