The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is an endangered mammal in the Callitrichidae family of small monkeys. It is also known as the Golden Marmoset.
The Golden Lion Tamarin has bright reddish-orange fur with a mane around its face and ears. Its face is dark and hairless. It has elongated hands and fingers, with claw-like nails which enable it to cling to tree trunks.
It grows to about 26 centimetres (10 inches) tall.
The Golden Lion Tamarin is native to Brazil. It prefers coastal forests, hilltop forests, and swamp forests.
It feeds on fruit, flowers, bird eggs, and insects.
It is an excellent leaper, as it jumps from tree branch to tree branch. It sleeps in hollow tree cavities.
The Golden Lion Tamarin is territorial and social, living in small groups of 2-8 individuals.
It forms a monogamous pair, mating for life. The female is pregnant for 120 days before giving birth to 1-2 young. The baby clings to its mother’s back, but the whole group helps to raise it. This is called allo-parenting.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM