The golden-headed lion tamarin or Bahian lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysomelas, is one of the 17 endangered primate species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is in the National Action Plan for Atlantic Forest Primates and the Maned Sloth. Its habitat is fast disappearing with the expansion of cattle ranching and urban areas eating into the forest that still remain. Many tamarins are now found in isolated satellite populations that are many kilometres from the other groups.

One of the important elements of the action plan for the golden-headed lion tamarin is to develop an updated population management strategy for the species. The remaining population is now very fragmented in what is left of the coastal forests of the state of Bahia, and will need to be monitored closed and actively managed if it is to escape extinction.

To achieve this, a vital strategic planning meeting was held in September 23-25 in the municipality of Ilhéus, one of the most important sites for golden-headed lion tamarins, and Tamarin Trust supported the logistics of organising the meeting.

Bringing all stakeholders together is vital to the success of any conservation plan, and this meeting was essential in guiding public policy that guides conservation management actions in the area on behalf of this beautiful monkey.

Picture credit: Igor Inforsato for golden-headed lion tamarins.