Daily activity period, home range and sleeping sites of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) translocated to the União Biological Reserve, RJ-Brazil

Abstract

Golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) are known to sleep in tree holes as a means of protection against predators. The aim of this study was to compare the activity period of the diurnal golden lion tamarins with the home range of each group, and the sleeping sites used by tamarins in the União Biological Reserve. Two groups (Geni and SJ2) were followed monthly from April 2003 to March 2004, for a total of 712 h. The daily distance and the home range of the groups were estimated, the trees used as sleeping sites were marked with numbered tags, and the habitat and the positions of the trees were mapped. During the study, the mean daily activity period was 10.30 h. The SJ2 group had a home range of 96.22 ha and 21 different sleeping sites, and the Geni group had a home range of 72.52 ha and nine different tree hole sleeping sites. The daily activity of golden lion tamarins varied seasonally and was associated with photoperiod and temperature. The size of the home range may be influenced by the occurrence and interaction with neighboring groups.