Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park Heritage Area

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.

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.

• Did you know? The golden lion tamarin's was first documented in 1519 by explorer Antonio Pigafetta, who recorded the indigenous name for the species, sauí-piranga, meaning "red monkey."
• A unique home: Golden lion tamarins are found exclusively in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, making them endemic to this unique and threatened habitat.
• A story of hope: Nearly extinct in the 1970s with a population of fewer than 200, the golden lion tamarin is now the subject of a globally recognized conservation success story.
• Family-oriented: Golden lion tamarins live in stable social groups, typically with an average of six individuals, and evidence suggests they are monogamous.
• Not the only one: The golden lion tamarin is one of four species of lion tamarins, all of which are endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest and are considered threatened due to habitat loss.