black-faced lion tamarin

primate

Also known as: Leontopithecus caissara

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July 22, 2026

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The black-faced lion tamarin, scientifically known as Leontopithecus caissara, is a species of tamarin. It is characterized by a lionlike thick mane, a black face, and long, silky, golden fur. This striking primate is found exclusively in fragmented forest habitats within the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.1

Marmosets, in general, are small, long-tailed South American monkeys belonging to the family Callitrichidae. They are tree-dwelling primates that move quickly and have claws on most digits, aiding their arboreal lifestyle. Their diet consists of insects, fruit, tree sap, and other small animals. The black-faced lion tamarin is classified as critically endangered.2

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marmoset
The black-faced lion tamarin (L. caissara), which was first discovered in 1990, is classified as a critically endangered species. Lion tamarins are larger than “true” marmosets and have long slender hands and fingers, which they use to hook insects from crevices. The golden lion marmoset (or…
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The black-faced lion tamarin (L. caissara), which was first discovered in 1990, is classified as a critically endangered species. Lion tamarins are larger than “true” marmosets and have long slender hands and fingers, which they use to hook insects from crevices. The golden lion marmoset (or…
Read More