Words by Tess Becker
After nearing extinction, the golden lion tamarins are making a huge comeback in the forests of Brazil. Conservation efforts that started in the 1970s have seen massive success.
At their absolute lowest there were only about 200 left in the wild. But now the population has rebounded to around 4,800, according to a study released by the Brazilian science and conservation nonprofit Golden Lion Tamarin Association.
“We are celebrating, but always keeping one eye on other threats, because life’s not easy,” said the nonprofit’s president, Luís Paulo Ferraz.
The monkeys are still considered endangered, but with the momentum they have, even ending is a possibility.
The new numbers are also important because a yellow fever outbreak caused a sharp drop in the growing population. In 2019, there were 2,500 monkeys, down from 3,700 found in a 2014 survey.
“We have seen the resilience of the species, but also know they are still vulnerable,” said Ferraz.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
