The golden marmoset (Leontopithecus rosalia), also known as the golden lion tamarin, is a small New World monkey of the family Callitrichidae. Native to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil, this species is characterized by its vibrant reddish-orange fur and long hair around its face resembling a lion’s mane.
Physical Traits
The golden marmoset has a body length of about 6-10 inches and weighs 8-14 ounces. It has a black face with white whiskers and long, silky fur ranging from yellow to orange. Its tail is typically longer than its body and can reach up to 16 inches long.
Life Span
Golden marmosets have an average life span of 12-15 years in the wild but can live up to 20 years in captivity.
Habitat
Golden marmosets inhabit lowland tropical rainforests near rivers or streams, building their nests high in trees. They are arboreal animals that spend most of their time foraging for food on tree branches or leaping from branch to department.
Diet
Golden marmosets feed mainly on fruits, flowers, nectar, insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They also consume sap from trees and occasionally eat bird eggs or lizards.
Reproduction
Marmosets are monogamous animals that form lifelong pair bonds with their mates. Females give birth to twins twice a year after a gestation period of about 140 days. The young are weaned at 3 months old and become independent at 6 months old.
Conservation Status
The golden marmoset is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation and urbanization. In addition, they are threatened by the illegal pet trade and hunting for bushmeat. Conservation efforts such as captive breeding programs have increased population numbers in recent years.
Interesting Facts
- Golden marmosets are one of the few primates that use tools such as sticks to extract food from crevices or holes in trees.
- They communicate using vocalizations such as whistles, chirps, and squeaks, which can be heard up to 1 kilometer away!
- Golden marmosets have scent glands on their chests, which they use to mark their territory with secretions that smell like cloves or cinnamon!
