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The golden lion tamarin is considered to be the most colorful monkey in the world. It is approximately 12" tail and weighs twenty-one to twenty-eight ounces. There are four species of the lion tamarins, the golden, the black, golden-headed and the black-faced; all of these species reside in the Brazilian rainforest.
The golden lion tamarin has many unusual characteristics. He has a golden silky coat that when he is confronted with a dispute will erect as a threat gesture. He has long curved claws that allow him to dig and grasp easier. The golden tamarin’s tail is also useful in balancing when leaping from tree to tree. His paws are also useful when grasping and for hunting insects in holes of trees.
The golden lion tamarin can be found in the southeastern rainforest of Brazil. This habitat is much cooler in temperature than the Amazon rainforest. This habitat provides plenty of food for this small monkey; he mainly feeds on insects and fruits. He may also eat small lizards or birds’ eggs. The golden lion tamarin is a very social animal, when feeding it will usually share its food with other members of his group. When hunting this monkey uses his sharp claws to tear at bark to find his meals. When he locates his meal he uses his human like hands to feed himself.
A group of golden lion tamarines usually consists of four to six animals. There is usually a pair of adults for breeding plus their offspring. These animals are very smart; they have their own universal language to warn each other of danger. They often are prey for carnivore birds, they have established warning signs if a bird is spotted.
When adult golden lion tamarines mate, they mate for life. The female is able to mate approximately twice per month. They mate in spring and autumn and the female gives birth about every four months. The offspring stay in the group and as they get older help with new siblings born.
The golden lion tamarin is an extremely endangered species, they have been reported to live in captivity for fifteen years and in the wild for only five to eight years.
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