The golden lion tamarin's historical distribution is not well known. Today, it is confined to three small areas of tropical rain forest in southeastern Brazil. The first population estimate of 400 to 500 animals was made in 1972. The population estimate was reduced to fewer than 200 by 1981. Natural History These tiny monkeys are quick-moving, acrobatic, and analytical masters of their arboreal world.
Tamarins have sharp, curved claws on their toes for gripping tree trunks and branches.
Most other monkeys have flat nails more like human finger nails. They live in territorial family units of up to 15 individuals. Groups usually are composed of one breeding pair and their offspring or other close relatives. The coastal tropical rain forests of Brazil where tamarins live is also the region preferentially settled and cleared for agriculture and ranching. These areas are most pressured by today's growing human population.