Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park Heritage Area

Area Features

Golden Lion Tamarin - specie

Stability

In the 1970s, the population of golden lion tamarins was estimated at just 200 individuals in the wild. With the start of the species' Conservation Program in 1983, which involved the reintroduction of specimens born in captivity, the population reached 3,500 individuals in 2014. With the outbreak of yellow fever between 2017 and 2018, the population fell to 2,300 tamarins. But according to the latest census carried out by AMLD, released in 2023, the species is on the rise again, with an estimated population of 4,800 golden lion tamarins.

Threats

Historically, the deforestation of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, especially in low-lying areas that are more suitable for agricultural use, has been the main threat to the golden lion tamarin, leaving a fragmented landscape that even today compromises what little remains of the species' habitat. The habitat fragmentation is enhanced by the existence of linear infrastructures in the area, such as oil and gas pipelines, power transmission cables, and one of the longest Brazilian roads, the BR101. Added to this threat is wildlife trafficking and diseases such as yellow fever (which wiped out a third of the tamarin population between 2016 and 2018).

Actions taken for protection

Forest restoration, implementing strategic ecological corridors (even supporting the construction of the first vegetated viaduct of Latin America) and encouraging the creation of protected areas are important actions to tackle habitat fragmentation and loss. Environmental education actions, social engagement and ecotourism are also carried out to increase people's involvement conservation. Through agroecology and the production of native Atlantic Forest seedlings we create an economic chain related to conservation. In addition, we started a pioneering vaccination of tamarins in the wild, guaranteeing a safe population immunized against the disease.

Community Importance

To promote the golden lion tamarin conservation, we created the Golden Lion Tamarin Destination, aiming to foster ecological and low-impact tourism and help with economic development and job creation in the region. Through the restoration of the Atlantic Forest, we are directly contributing to the functioning of the restoration economic chain in the region, with the purchase of tree seedling from nurseries runned by 5 different families of local small farmers, and by hiring local companies to plant the trees. In addition, the air quality, carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services provided by the forests planted benefit the health of the population of the area.

Wildlife Watching Guidelines

Watching the golden lion tamarin in the wild follows a series of guidelines, such as a maximum limit of 20 people per visit, a maximum of 1.5 hours of observation, obligatory use of masks to avoid spreading diseases, a minimum distance of 5 meters and non-interaction with the animals. Visitors are also required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination and at least two doses of Covid-19. The visits never occur in two consecutive days, with a maximum of three visits per week. Only one spot receives tourists, which means we only expose 1 group of golden lion tamarins to visits (around 14 animals).