Golden headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

Habitat: Golden-headed lion tamarins are found only in Brazil in the tropical forests.
Diet: omnivorous, fruit, birds, reptiles, insects, mollusks

The golden-headed lion tamarin is a small, strikingly colored primate endemic exclusively to the Atlantic coastal rainforests of Brazil. It derives its name from the distinctive golden-yellow fur on its head and its lion-like mane. Unlike some other South American monkeys, it does not have a prehensile tail; instead, its tail plays a crucial role in maintaining balance while navigating the forest canopy.

This active and agile primate is diurnal, primarily inhabiting the lower and middle layers of the canopy where it skillfully leaps between branches. Its diet is omnivorous and diverse, consisting of fruits, insects, spiders, small vertebrates, and plant exudates (sap).

The species lives in small, cohesive family groups typically composed of 2 to 8 individuals. Strong social bonds are formed within the group, often maintained through frequent mutual grooming. Their reproductive system is generally characterized by monogamous pairs. Notably for primates, females almost always give birth to twins.

The care of the infants is a collective effort involving not only the mother but also the father and other group members. In an display of cooperative breeding, the father typically carries the infants, returning them to the mother only for nursing.

Primates / Cebidae

IUCN Redlist: EN (Endangered)

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