The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is by far one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Often overlooked for more commercial and popular (though by no means less important) endangered species such as the Black Rhino, African Lion, Harp Seal, etc. The Golden Lion Tamarin has been reduced to a natural environment population of but 800 in the world. The species has been driven to such decline that it is now native to just one natural environment through-out the entire world, that of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It's striking appearance and beautiful golden coat, combined with it's relatively small size (often not overgrowing the size of a common squirrel) have contributed to it's decline, as a popular option for illegal poaching for the pet trade, as well as the continued decline of it's natural habitat through deforestation. This decline of the natural environment has pushed the tamarin in to less natural areas, bringing he tamarin closer to cities, which has opened up the species vulnerability to a new array of predators, such as domestic cats and dogs.
The plight of the Golden Lion Tamarin still has a lot of support, especially in it's native country of Brazil, where the Golden Lion Tamarin Association have pushed the protection of the species, gaining associates and support worldwide from a variety of zoological societies and establishments, in an effort to develop an international breeding program to facilitate the re-introduction of the species to it's natural environment. Their aim to bring the natural population up to a steady 2000 breeding tamarins by 2025.
You can support the cause by donating, or visiting the centre for the Golden Lion Tamarin in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Or visit the association online. Alternatively you can assist in the support of the re-introduction program through donation via Action For The Wild.
