Golden+Lion+Tamarin-Waters

Golden Lion Tamarin

By: Connor Waters



Scientific Classification

Kingdom- Animalia Phylum- Chordata Class- Mammalia Order- Primates Family- Callitrichidae Genus- Leontopithecus Species- L. Rosalia

The golden lion tamarin is a unique, endangered animal in the fragmented forests of Brazil. This primate's scientific name is Leontopithecus Rosalia. The golden lion tamarin is a small primate whose lenth varies from 7.5 to 8.75 inches, and weighs 14 to 24 ounces. This flame colored monkey moves very swiftly. It leaps from tree to tree and runs fast while on the ground. The golden lion tamarin eats using its sharp teet and uses its clawlike nails called tegulae, these claws are also key in climbing.

Golden Lion Tamarins are omnivores and will eat foods like fruits, flowers, insects, nector, bird eggs, and even small reptiles. Gestation for a golden lion tamarin takes place for 4.2 months or 125 days. It normally takes 5 to 6 weeks for babies to mature to. In their changing and suffering environment, the golden lion tamarins mus adapt to the changes. Their first adaptation are their large claws that they use to eat, move, and to form shelters. A second adaptation is that during the dry season insects become scarce, and the tamarins must rely on small reptiles for food. One more adaptation is that the golden lion tamarins sleep in a new hole each night. To be safe, they sleep in small groups, and in holes high up in trees.



The Callitrichidae

 Family 

The goldenlion tamarins family consists of many wonderful beasts. One animal that is in the callitrichidae family is the orangutan. These two primates share the same fiery fur. Along with the orangutan is the chimpanzee. Another animal in this family is the pygmy marmoset who is even smaller than the golden lion tamarin. One more animals is the spider monkey that also leaps from branches. Most primates share flowing hair that is very thick. Almost all primates have a tail whether its a short, stubby one or an extremely long one. members of the callitrichidae family even use theirs to swing or hang from trees. Another recognizable feature is that most monkeys have little or no fur on around their face. One main thing monkeys have are four legs. Most walk on all four, but also use the front two as arms. With out a doubt, the golden lion tamarin as an exciting family with many similar and different traits.

Sources:
 * [|animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/.../golden-lion-tamarin/]
 * [|pin.primate.wisc.edu › About the Primates › Primate Factsheets]
 * [|www.honoluluzoo.org/golden_lion_tamarin.htm]