Concerned about the declining population of the endangered Golden Lion Tamarin, conservationists in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil have built a bridge across the highway to help the monkeys move through the larger forest area.
An ecological bridge on the federal highway in Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serves as a corridor for Golden Lion Tamarins. (Photo: Reuters).
With concerns over the declining population of the Golden Lion Tamarin, which is facing extinction, conservationists in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have constructed a bridge across the highway to aid the monkeys in traversing the expansive forest.
The Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro is the only place in the world where the Golden Lion Tamarin still exists in the wild.
Over the past few decades, Brazil’s conservation efforts have aimed to increase the population of Golden Lion Tamarins, pulling the species back from the brink of extinction. However, a yellow fever outbreak in 2018 wiped out 32% of the Golden Lion Tamarin population. Today, it is estimated that around 2,500 Golden Lion Tamarins remain in the wild.
A Golden Lion Tamarin. (Photo: Reuters).
Conservationists are particularly worried about a group of Golden Lion Tamarins that are isolated due to the highway.
Mr. Luis Paulo Marques Ferraz is the executive director of the supermodel project aimed at protecting the Golden Lion Tamarin population.
Biologist Andreia Martins observes a Golden Lion Tamarin in the Atlantic Forest. (Photo: Reuters).
He stated: “Genetically, that population will be isolated, and that is really bad. We need a large, protected, and connected forest.”
The bridge was constructed last year, and trees, shrubs, and plants were planted on it in hopes of creating a natural corridor that attracts these primates. The vegetation planted is still young and will need time to grow sufficiently to provide food for the monkeys.
A young Golden Lion Tamarin is seen in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 2. (Photo: Reuters).
Three Golden Lion Tamarins are observed in the Atlantic Forest region. (Photo: Reuters).
According to Mr. Ferraz, the population of 2,000 Golden Lion Tamarins requires at least 25,000 hectares of forest. However, the forest is being interrupted by pastures, roads, and towns. Conservation groups estimate that Golden Lion Tamarins have lost about 95% of their original habitat in Brazil.
“That is why the bridge built here is very important for the conservation program of the Golden Lion Tamarin.”, Mr. Ferraz said.
