A Torchbearer for Conservation
Andreia Martins' story in golden lion tamarin conservation dates back to 1983, when, at the age of 18, she volunteered for the environmental education project...
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The Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park is a unique park! All the attractions are related to the habitat of the golden lion tamarin, the Atlantic Forest, and the conservation actions to save the species from extinction. There are several options for trails, viewpoints and opportunities to contemplate nature.
You'll be able to see the strength of the forest, which is reborn where it used to be pasture, a vegetated viaduct that is a pioneer in the country for animals to cross the highway safely and an agroforestry that allows you to produce food while keeping the trees standing. You can also have an unforgettable experience and see the tamarins in the wild.
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Available for sponsorship
Stories
A Case of Successful Conservation
In the 1970s, the golden lion tamarin population in the wild was on the brink of extinction, with an estimated population of less than 200 individuals. This...
Rediscovering the Atlantic Forest
Lou Ann Dietz came to Brazil in the 1970s, serving with her husband James Dietz as Peace Corps volunteers. They began working on golden lion tamarin (GLT)...
Experiences
Na Trilha do Mico / Following the tamarins trail
Guided wildlife walks
On this tour, visitors will have the chance to observe golden lion tamarins and their behavior in the wild, tagging along AMLD monitoring team. The researchers use telemetry equipment to find the group of tamarins, like in the monitoring activities routine, while sharing with the visitors important information about these animals.
Casa do Mico / Mico's House
Visitor centres or museums
Visitors to the Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park are welcomed on arrival at the Casa do Mico (or Tamarin's House). It is a permanent exhibition that invites visitors to learn, through the history of the Sauí-Piranga tamarin's family, aspects of biology, social behavior, habits and curiosities about the golden lion tamarins. The exhibition has four themed rooms, audio visual information equipment and interactive experiences.
The Tamarin is Here: the history of the conservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin
Visitor centres or museums
In this exhibition, which features interactive panels and videos, visitors will be able to learn more about the Golden Lion Tamarin, its habitat, the efforts and challenges to ensure the conservation of the species and the Atlantic Forest in the region. The exhibition also includes an external part, which invites visitors to interact and play with the installations.
Species & habitat
The golden lion tamarin is a primate species endemic to the lowland Atlantic Forest of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The tamarins gather in family groups, composed by an average of 4-6 individuals, but can reach up to 12 individuals. They sleep in tree hollows and tangled vines, have a diurnal habit, and feed on fruit, nectar, sap, tree gum, small amphibians and various invertebrates. All members of the family help care for their young. They are currently classified as "endangered" by the IUCN. They are territorial, with conflicts between groups when they meet, and each group has an average home range of 40 ha.
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Threats
The biggest threat to the golden lion tamarin is habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation on private properties, by oil and gas pipelines from the national oil extraction company (Petrobrás), by roads, and by the BR101 highway, which after its duplication began to have a more intense effect in this regard. However, the return of wildlife trafficking in the region has become more worrying since 2023. There is also the threat of outbreaks of contagious epidemic diseases, such as yellow fever, which between 2017 and 2018 caused the death of 1/3 of the existing tamarin population.
Supporters & Assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Supported by World Animal Protection
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