Golden lion tamarin

All four species of lion tamarin are threatened with extinction. Their original range is the rainforests along the Atlantic coast of Brazil. In the meantime, 98 percent of these forests have been destroyed and the remainder is fragmented into small forest fragments. The zoos' coordinated conservation breeding programs have saved the golden lion tamarin and the golden-headed lion tamarin from extinction. The Poço-das-Antas reserve, which covers around 50 square kilometers, was founded in 1974 to release zoo-born golden lion tamarins into the wild. From 1984 to 2000, a total of 146 zoo-born lion tamarins were released into the wild. Currently, over 1000 animals live there and in other forest areas in the Silva Jardim region. Poço-das-Antas is a great success story and proof that zoos make an important contribution to the conservation of endangered species.
With the exception of the big toe, the marmosets have sharp claws on their hands and feet. With these claws and their teeth, the marmosets can scratch and break open the bark of trees. This allows them to get at tree sap and insect larvae. Callitrichidae are very social animals. Mutual fur cleaning and physical contact when sitting and sleeping together are important behaviors to secure and strengthen the bond within the group. Callitrichidae communicate with whistling sounds that are reminiscent of birds chirping.
As a rule, only the dominant and highest-ranking female reproduces in groups with several adult animals. In some marmosets there are several possible fathers, but usually only the highest-ranking male. The males are responsible for rearing the young. Often all males in a group help at the same time, regardless of who the father is. The males carry the young around and play with them. The female takes the young to suckle. As a rule, marmosets give birth to fraternal twins.

Distribution