Getting to Know the Golden Lion Tamarin

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

Environment and Ecology (Agriculture)

Related Academic Standards

4.1.4.A 4.1.4.A

Explain how living things are dependent upon other living and nonliving things for survival.

Explain what happens to an organism when its food supply, access to water, shelter or space (niche / habitat) is changed.
Identify similarities and differences between living organisms, ranging from single-celled to multi-cellular organisms through the use of microscopes, video, and other media.

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Organism Name

Common Name: Golden Lion Tamarin
Scientific Name: Leontopithecus rosalia
Name Given to Offspring: Infant
Group Name: Troop

Did You Know?

Male and female are monogamous (live in family groups of 3-6) and twin births are common. They are diurnal and arboreal (inhabit trees). Males and females look alike, and they nest in hollowed out trees lined with fur!

Geographic Range and Habitat

Geographic Range: Brazil
Habitat: Rainforests

Classification Information

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Primata

Order: Anthropoidea

Family: Callitrichidae

Physical Characteristics

Height:13-15 inches; tail 10-15 inches

Weight:22-25 oz

Additional Information

Their territory boundaries are marked using scent glands located on the chest and genital areas.

The Golden lion tamarin is a very active and vocal primate. However, except for squeals of alarm, all of the vocalizations are soft, faint calls which helps keep the tamarins from attracting attention from predators.

Life span up to 15 years.

Males help care for young. Females nurse infants, and then they return young to males and siblings for care.

Author

The Buffalo Zoo

Description

Golden lion tamarins are endangered primates that live in the canopy of the rainforest of Brazil, in South America. They are covered in golden silky fur and live in small family groups. Tamarins are monogamous and males play an important role in caring for young.

Getting to Know the Golden Lion Tamarin