Blake+J

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GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

Size: On average, adults (both sexes) weigh between 481.9 - 680.4 grams, and measures about 32 to 40 cm (Including tail)

Range: Atlantic coast of south-eastern Brazil

Habitat: Mata Atlantica – swampy, coastal rainforest area Golden lion tamarins live in the sub-canopy, preferring 5 to 20 feet above the ground. They seem to like a humid, closed canopy forest with many vines, which provide protection from predators in the air and allow easy movement between the trees. Bromeliad, a type flower, catches rain and provides a important water source. These plants act as host to many insects and small vertebrates that are important tamarin foods.

Retiring at dusk, Golden Lion Tamarins use tree cavities as their beds and protection against predators. At the bottom of the hollow the family will huddle together for warmth and protection. The male and female of the dominant pair are the last to enter, and the dominant male will position himself between his family and the opening.Food is shared between group members, either passively (tolerated stealing) or actively (food offered to another), usually with the food being passed from older to younger individuals. Food: Golden lion tamarins are omnivorous – they feed on the following: Fruits, vegetation, insects and small invertebrates, birds’ eggs, small reptiles, nectars and exudates. Sometimes, smaller arboreal animals are a potential food source. They use their long hands and thin fingers to look for insect and invertebrate crevices, bark, and bromeliads and use a foraging method called micromanipulation. Zoo diets consists of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables including apples, pears, grapes, bananas, melons, peaches, plum, carrots, corn, sweet potatoes, and green beans. In order to meet their protein needs, they also receive crickets, mealworms and waxworms.