The plight of the Golden Lion Tamarin

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.

Action For The Wild

MICOLEAO

Welcome to my page about International Animal Conservation...

Here I am going to be opening your eyes to the world of animals in many areas of the globe. Sharing with you stories and causes that are close to my heart and in need of YOUR support.

For my whole life I have held a place in my heart for the animal kingdom, and the natural environment in which these magnificent creatures flourish. I have recently turned a path in my life where I have decided to put all my efforts in to helping raise the awareness of various situations all of the world that deserve support, to keep planet earth the diverse animal friendly kingdom it once was.

Over time you will learn about different animals, their history, their habits, the environments in which they live, which absolutely fascinate me, but also I will open your eyes to a whole range of neglect and disregard for the natural world, and also the important causes and people who are fighting to get things back on track.

Many of you who know me will know I have a major fascination with monkeys and from this I have more recently gained a fascination with Costa Rica. This country is unbelievably awe inspiring. Covering an area less than half the size of England, Costa Rica is an incredibly diverse country, having not two or three, but 12 different climate zones, and playing home to almost 5% of all known species to man, making it one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.

It is places like Costa Rica that inspire me to learn and share about the amazing natural world, and how we can make a difference through increasing the awareness of what is happening to it, and why it is so important that we protect it, and the creatures that live on it.