The golden lion tamarin or golden marmoset is one of the rarest animals in the world, native to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil. It is a peculiar, tree-dwelling monkey with a small rounded head that is surrounded by a thick, golden mane. Its body and tail are covered with long silky hair that comes in pale blonde to reddish golden colour.
After observing a shrinking population, the IUCN Red List classified the golden lion tamarin as an endangered species. Subsequently, a few wildlife organisations started reintroduction programmes from 140 zoos worldwide.
Although it was a success, the population of the monkeys is still not out of danger. Due to logging, agriculture and industry-expansion, the rain forests of Brazil are disappearing.
That means that the habitats of the golden lion tamarins are being destroyed. Yet another challenge the species face is the illegal pet trade. With all these, the estimated wild population of this golden animal is thought to be less than 3500.
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