Habitat and Distribution
This small primate owes its name to its spectacular mane of long golden hairs that frame its face, giving it the appearance of a miniature lion. Its coat, shiny and silky, is predominantly black on the body, contrasting with the brilliant hue of its head and mane. Its agile and slender limbs, as well as its long non-prehensile tail, allow it to move quickly through the canopy.
Size and Weight
The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin measures approximately 20 to 30 cm, with a tail that can reach 35 to 40 cm. It weighs on average between 500 and 700 grams, with males and females having a similar size.
Habitat and Distribution
Endemic to the humid tropical forests of southeastern Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia, it lives in trees, where it forms small family groups composed of 2 to 8 individuals. These groups are generally led by a dominant breeding pair.
Diet
The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin is omnivorous: it feeds mainly on fruits, nectar, flowers, insects, small vertebrates and even tree gum. Its role in seed dispersal is crucial for the balance of the forest ecosystem.
Conservation and Threats
This species is critically endangered due to the destruction of its natural habitat, caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion.
