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

Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary, Costa Rica...

After heavily investigating a range of causes and charitable organisations all over the world, the work that really caught my eye, and the first I shall share with you, is that of the Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary, Cabuya, Costa Rica.

In less than eight years, the volunteer couple behind the Sanctuary, Mary Lynn Perry and Simon G. Gomez, have worked in the local community, as well as lobbying the government, to develop a protected corner of Rainforest larger than some of Costa Rica's national parks. Using little more than knowledge, volunteers and a passion for the natural world, Rainsong have rallied the support of local farmers, donors and land owners to provide their land for this project, which, at current, has already managed to secure an area of around 7500 acres of protected natural environment for the native species of the country. Add to this the hand built animal hospital and sanctuary the couple have developed over the years for the reintroduction of indigenous and endangered species, their re-forestation program, and their continued plight for government change in developing stricter laws against animal and environmental protection. Rainsong is about the most selfless, heart driven cause in Costa Rica.

To date, in the Nicoya Peninsula, around the area of the Sanctuary and Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, due to deforestation, illegal poaching and the electrocution via the naked wires of the Costa Rican electric grid, a vast number of native species have already become extinct to the area. These include such endangered species as the Jaguar and Puma, Tapir, Spider Monkey, 3 Toed Sloth, Giant Anteater, Quetzel, Scarlet Macaw, as well as a vast number of less endangered species such as river otter, peccary pig, crocodiles, deer, forest rabbit, weasels, etc... Rainsong are developing programs for the controlled breeding and re-introduction of certain species, to help protect and conserve the true natural wildlife population the area has lost.

Rainsong, albeit a charity built upon the love and passions of two people, would be no-where with out the strong support of donors and volunteers. Championing a strong volunteer program, and backed by this considerate support from many local and international businesses and private givers, Rainsong are able to carry out their continued work in conservation and animal welfare in the area. If you were ever considering volunteering or donating with an international charity focused on protecting the animal kingdom and their natural environment, Rainsong would be my recommendation.

You can find out more about giving, as well as how to volunteer, get involved, or spread the word about current campaigns and help in raising awareness for the project via the Rainsong website.

RAINSONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY