Superagui lion tamarin

Black -headed lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus caissara ) i

The Black -headed lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus caissara ) is a primate of the species of lion tamarins, to the family of marmosets ( Callitrichidae ) is counted. The species was first scientifically described in 1990 and is one of the most endangered American primate species.

Description

Black -headed lion tamarins are characterized by a predominantly golden-yellow fur, the head, the mane, the front and hind paws and tail are black. As with all tamarins her face and her feet are hairless and the long fingers end with the exception of the first toe of the hind paws in claws. The body length of these primates is about 30 centimeters, the tail can be up to 40 inches long and its weight is around 600 grams.

Distribution and habitat

Black -headed lion tamarins live in a small area in the border region of the Brazilian states of São Paulo and Paraná. First, they were later discovered on the island Superagüi also on the mainland. Their habitat is tropical rainforests, where they congregate, especially on covered with lianas and other creepers trees.

Way of life

These primates are diurnal and sleep at night usually in tree hollows. Like other tamarins, they live in family groups of two to eleven animals which are usually composed of an adult pair and their offspring. The groups are territorial and live in an area of around 25 hectares.

The food of these animals consists mainly of fruits, next they will also take insects and small vertebrates to himself.

Reproduction

Once a year, the female gives birth to usually from September to March the next generation into the world, where twin births predominate. The father and the other members of the group participate in the rearing of the young. After about three months they are weaned.

Threat

The small range of the black -headed lion tamarin is fragmented across multiple populations. The largest group (about 180 animals ) lives in Superagui National Park and enjoys a degree of protection there, the total population is estimated to be no more than 400 animals. The IUCN lists the species as " threatened with extinction " ( critically endangered ).