Golden-headed lion tamarin
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Golden-headed lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus chrysomelas ) |
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| ( Kuhl , 1820) |
The golden-headed lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus chrysomelas ) is a primate species from the genus of lion tamarins , which belongs to the family of marmosets (Callitrichidae).
description
Golden-headed lion tamarins reach a head body length of 24 to 29 centimeters, a tail length of around 35 centimeters and a weight of 500 to 550 grams. Their fur is mainly black, the bushy mane and front paws are reddish or yellow. As with all lion tamarins, their face is hairless and the long fingers, with the exception of the first toe of the hind paws, end in claws.
distribution and habitat
Golden-headed tamarins only live in a small area in the southern coastal region of the Brazilian state of Bahia . The habitat of these primates are predominantly tropical forests.
Way of life
These animals live in trees and stay at a height of three to 10 meters. They are diurnal and mostly sleep in tree hollows at night.
They live in family groups of two to eight animals, which usually consist of an adult couple and their offspring. Sometimes there are several adult females, but then only the dominant female reproduces. The groups are characterized by pronounced social behavior, grooming and sharing of food play an important role. The group members communicate with each other with a series of sounds. The area is around 75 hectares, and the territory is vehemently defended against outsiders.
food
These animals are omnivores, they feed on insects, spiders and small vertebrates as well as on plant material, mainly fruits. The long fingers and large incisors are used to pull small prey out of the tree bark.
Reproduction
Once a year, in the warm, humid season (usually between September and April), the female gives birth to the offspring after a gestation period of around 125 to 132 days. Usually twins are born, but single and triplet births have also been documented. The whole group, but especially the father, takes part in raising the young. He carries them around and takes care of them. Females reach sexual maturity at around 18 months, males at around 24 months. The highest known age of an animal was 18 years.
Threat and protection
Like all lion tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins live exclusively in the southeastern Brazilian rainforest, which is particularly hard hit by clearing and urban sprawl. More than 90% of the habitat of these animals has disappeared, so that they can only be found in a small area in the southern coastal strip of the state of Bahia . In addition to the destruction of their habitat, illegal hunting to make them pets has also been threatening to the species.
In the 1980s, an intensive breeding and resettlement program was started that resulted in the populations recovering significantly. Protected areas have been established and awareness has been raised through educational initiatives. Today the population is estimated at 6,000 to 15,000 animals, which is by far the highest number of all lion tamarins. Nevertheless, the dismemberment of their range is a problem, so that the IUCN continue the species as endangered ( endangered lists).
In the European Endangered Species Program , the zoo leads Antwerp the stud book for the golden-headed lion tamarin. There are currently 600 individuals registered.
literature
- Thomas Geissmann : Comparative Primatology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin et al. 2003, ISBN 3-540-43645-6 .
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
