Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Callitrichidae Scientific Name : Leontopithecus Rosalia Size : 20 - 33.5cm (8 - 13.2in) Weight : 550 - 700g (19 - 25oz) Top Speed : 40km/h (24mph) Life Span : 8 - 15 years Colour : Gold, Orange, Black, Brown Skin Type : Hair Special Features : Golden colour and thick lion-like mane on top of head
- Golden Lion Tamarins are small monkeys found in the Eastern Brazilian Rain forests.
- They are most famous for their bright golden orange fur.
- They are one of the smallest primates in the world, growing between 20-33 cm in height.
- They also have an exceptionally long tail, which is often longer than the length of their body.
- Despite the length, the tail does not help them grab and hold on to trees as it is not prehensile.
- They are arboreal animals, spending most of their lives on trees.
- Their sharp, claw-like nails help them climb and move around on trees.
- They are diurnal animals active during the day and resting at night.
- They sleep and rest in nesting holes and small hollows in trees.
- Golden Tamarins are omnivores feeding on sweet fruits, berries, leaves, insects, small mammals and reptiles.
- Their natural predators are snakes, wild cats and rats.
- They live in troops led by the breeding male and female.
- They are quite territorial and fights between golden tamarin troops are not uncommon.
- Each golden tamarin in a troop patrols their territory which can be sometimes as huge as 100 acres.
- Usually, they breed once a year between September and march.
- The female golden tamarin gives birth to twins after a 4-month gestation.
- The baby golden tamarins are looked after by their mother for the first 3 months.
- Habitat loss is their biggest threat and consequently, they are an endangered species today.