Rio de Janeiro
The furry little creature seen here is the star attraction at the Poco das Antas Biological Reserve, just a couple hours’ drive outside of Rio, and the focal point for the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project. Golden lion tamarins are just one of over 70 species of primate that can be found in Brazil, almost one-third of the world’s total species count, and new species are still being discovered. This is due in part to the immense interior of Brazil that even today remains a vast and untamed wilderness. Of course, another reason these pocket-sized primates can still elude discovery lies in their diminutive stature. Of all the tamarins and their close cousins, the marmosets, the golden lion is the largest, tipping the scales at just over a pound and a half. But what these little monkeys lack in stature is more than made up for by their attitude and energy. Moving from branch to branch, and tree to tree at speeds that left many hopeful photographers a frame or more behind, the squirrel-like monkeys moved in and out of view while chirping out their nervous, high-pitched squeaks to one another in anticipation of a well-deserved banana from one of the researchers.
The zoologists at the center are hopeful that the animals can continue their recovery from near extinction in the early 1980’s. From a population of only around 300, their numbers have now grown to near 1200, which is half way to the project’s goal of over 2000 creatures by the year 2025. More importantly, these once-popular Brazilian house pets are raising awareness for both their own plight and that of the Brazilian rainforests amongst the earth’s largest population of primates…the humans.
So, today, while many of our fellow travelers were off exploring the human jungle of Rio, a few us set off for the real thing, and managed to learn a little more about the unique wildlife that calls Brazil home. Regrettably, much of the habitat for these animals, and many others, has been steadily destroyed by human encroachment since the Europeans first arrived to Brazil in the 1500s. The once colossal Atlantic rainforest has been reduced to a few scattered pockets of second growth forest along Brazil’s coastline. The country now faces the daunting task of finding a way to meet the needs of its sprawling population while still keeping in tact the natural wonders that make the country so beautiful to begin with. Unfortunately, it’s not a uniquely Brazilian dilemma, but rather one that puzzles many countries around the globe. Hopefully though, through ambassadors like these golden lion tamarins, more and more people will take notice and eventually bring forth the ideas and solutions that will help restore the balance between nature and mankind.
The furry little creature seen here is the star attraction at the Poco das Antas Biological Reserve, just a couple hours’ drive outside of Rio, and the focal point for the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project. Golden lion tamarins are just one of over 70 species of primate that can be found in Brazil, almost one-third of the world’s total species count, and new species are still being discovered. This is due in part to the immense interior of Brazil that even today remains a vast and untamed wilderness. Of course, another reason these pocket-sized primates can still elude discovery lies in their diminutive stature. Of all the tamarins and their close cousins, the marmosets, the golden lion is the largest, tipping the scales at just over a pound and a half. But what these little monkeys lack in stature is more than made up for by their attitude and energy. Moving from branch to branch, and tree to tree at speeds that left many hopeful photographers a frame or more behind, the squirrel-like monkeys moved in and out of view while chirping out their nervous, high-pitched squeaks to one another in anticipation of a well-deserved banana from one of the researchers.
The zoologists at the center are hopeful that the animals can continue their recovery from near extinction in the early 1980’s. From a population of only around 300, their numbers have now grown to near 1200, which is half way to the project’s goal of over 2000 creatures by the year 2025. More importantly, these once-popular Brazilian house pets are raising awareness for both their own plight and that of the Brazilian rainforests amongst the earth’s largest population of primates…the humans.
So, today, while many of our fellow travelers were off exploring the human jungle of Rio, a few us set off for the real thing, and managed to learn a little more about the unique wildlife that calls Brazil home. Regrettably, much of the habitat for these animals, and many others, has been steadily destroyed by human encroachment since the Europeans first arrived to Brazil in the 1500s. The once colossal Atlantic rainforest has been reduced to a few scattered pockets of second growth forest along Brazil’s coastline. The country now faces the daunting task of finding a way to meet the needs of its sprawling population while still keeping in tact the natural wonders that make the country so beautiful to begin with. Unfortunately, it’s not a uniquely Brazilian dilemma, but rather one that puzzles many countries around the globe. Hopefully though, through ambassadors like these golden lion tamarins, more and more people will take notice and eventually bring forth the ideas and solutions that will help restore the balance between nature and mankind.
