Golden Lion Tamarin Matt Reilly
Golden Lion Tamarin • The Golden Lion Tamarin is a species of primates in Brazil's Atlantic forest that is critically endangered. • Leontopithecus rosalia is the scientific name.
Location • The Golden Lion Tamarin is located along in the Atlantic forest of brazil scattered along the Atlantic cost line. • The ecosystem that they live in is the lowland Atlantic Forest. • The closest living relative are the apes and other primates
Habitat • They live in a biodiversity hot-spot called the Atlantic Forest. • The Atlantic forest is wet and has a high density of fruit and animal foods. • It is the perfect habitat for them but unfortunately their habitat is getting destroyed.
Diet • The Golden Lion Tamarins are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, gum, nectar, insects, and other small animals • Fruit makes up 80 % of their diet. • Their hands, fingers, and claws are long and thin allowing them to reach their pray.
Reproductive Cycle • They mature at 18 months old. • Their Gestation Period is 125 - 132 days. • They usually give birth from September - March. • There is 1 or sometimes 2 litters/year, usually consisting of twins. In the Poço das Antas Reserve 78 % of golden lion Tamarin litters are twins.
Role • The Golden Lion Tamarin spends almost all of its time in the trees, where it feeds primarily on fruit and insects. • If removed the population of the insects will grow unchallenged and the insects will eat the trees.
Endangered • The Golden Lion Tamarin is endangered because of habitat destruction. • Their land is needed for farming.
Effect • If they go extinct the predators will not have as much pray. • The lower insects will over populate. • The Golden Lion Tamarin is very important to the food chain.