golden lion tamarin

Type:

Mammal

Diet:

Omnivore

Average life span in the wild:

15 years

Size:

Head and body, 7.5 to 8.75 in (19 to 22 cm); Tail, 10.25 to 13.5 in (26 to 34 cm)

Weight:

14 to 29 oz (400 to 800 g)

Group name:

Troop

Protection status:

Endangered

Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:

Lion tamarins take their name from their impressive manes—thick rings of hair reminiscent of Africa's great cats. The golden lion tamarin may be the most beautiful of the four lion tamarin species. Its abundant golden hair frames a charismatic black face and covers its small body and tail. Despite their name, these rare primates have far more in common with their monkey relatives than any feline.

The golden lion tamarin forms social family groups. Males help to raise their offspring, and often carry their young on their backs in between feedings. Tamarin young are usually twins.

Golden lions live primarily in the trees. They sleep in hollows at night and forage by day while traveling from branch to branch. Long fingers help them stay aloft and snare insects, fruit, lizards, and birds.

These interesting animals are critically endangered, as are many of the forests in which they live. Brazil's Atlantic coastal rain forests are disappearing due to ever-expanding logging, agriculture, and industry, and unfortunately, the golden lion tamarin is in danger of vanishing with them.