BIOPARC Fuengirola continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting biodiversity by welcoming a new species in serious danger of extinction: the golden lion tamarin. (Leontopithecus rosalia). This small primate, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and measuring about thirty centimeters, symbolizes one of the most remarkable stories of struggle for animal survival. Today, it is estimated that there are fewer than 1.400 copies in the wild, in a fragmented habitat whose extent has been reduced to just about 2.500 km² of severely degraded forest.
This incorporation is part of the European Ex Situ Conservation Program (EEP), in which BIOPARC actively participates and which follows strict international guidelines. The program is subject to extremely rigorous management criteria established by the Brazilian government and conservation organizations, given the delicate status of its population and the complexities of its reintroduction into the wild.
BIOPARC Fuengirola currently houses a breeding pair of this species, thus contributing to the coordinated effort to ensure its future survival.
A threatened forest, a species at its limit
The golden lion tamarin lives exclusively in the threatened Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and, paradoxically, most fragmented ecosystems on the planet. Historically, this species has been a victim of massive habitat loss, deforestation, agricultural expansion, and capture for the illegal pet trade. Currently, the greatest threats come from advancing urbanization, the expansion of road networks, and the continued decline in the quality and connectivity of its natural environment.
Failed reintroductions and a battle for survival
In recent decades, various conservation programs have successfully reintroduced individuals born under human care into their natural habitat. Initially, these efforts led to promising population growth. However, pressure on the ecosystem has outpaced the recovery rate, causing a further decline in the number of wild specimens.
According to the official IUCN Red List, the golden lion tamarin has experienced various threat categories, reflecting this constant fight against extinction. The threats have not disappeared, and today more than ever, this species faces an uncertain future. Its story is a moving example of resilience, a living symbol of the challenges and successes of modern conservation.
A unique animal that captivates the world
In addition to its ecological importance, the golden lion tamarin is one of the most charismatic primates on the planet. Its dense golden fur, reminiscent of a lion's mane, and its expressive face make it an unmistakable species. It lives in close-knit family groups, where both parents participate in caring for the young, and maintains an omnivorous diet that includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
This primate has not only captivated biologists and conservationists, but also the contemporary Brazilian popular imagination. In some recent stories, the golden marmoset is presented as a protective spirit of the forest, an endearing figure who guides lost travelers and takes care of the oldest trees.
For decades, the golden lion tamarin has been considered a national symbol of Brazilian biodiversityHis image has appeared on stamps, commemorative coins and school books, and It was one of the emblems of the historic Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In regions like Rio de Janeiro, where natural populations are still preserved, their figure inspires local festivals, school activities, and awareness campaigns.
With the arrival of this species at BIOPARC Fuengirola, we offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world's most iconic and endangered animals. A species that represents the importance of acting now to prevent the permanent loss of these living jewels of our planet.
The presence of the golden lion tamarin at BIOPARC Fuengirola reinforces its role as a conservation center for endangered species, which not only faithfully recreates their original ecosystems but also collaborates closely on breeding, reintroduction, and awareness programs. With this new step, BIOPARC emphasizes that every visit to the park is also a gesture of support for the planet's most vulnerable species.
