The Great Monkey Rescue: Saving the Golden Lion Tamarins

by Sandra Markle

Overview

Golden lion tamarins are found only in Brazilian forests. These small, remarkable monkeys once had plenty of space to roam and claim family territories. But years of deforestation caused their numbers to shrink. They were in serious danger of becoming extinct.

To help, scientists studied the animals in zoo settings. But they faced several mysteries. Why weren't golden lion tamarins reproducing in zoos? If scientists reintroduced zoo-raised tamarins to the wild, would those monkeys survive? And how could scientists give tamarins enough forest area for the population to grow? Find out how scientists and concerned citizens worked together to give golden lion tamarins a hopeful future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467780308
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/01/2015
Series:	Sandra Markle's Science Discoveries
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	930L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 11 Years

About the Author

Sandra Markle is the author of numerous award-winning books for children. A former elementary science teacher, she is a nationally-known science education consultant. Markle has received many honors for her series Animal Predators, Animal Scavengers, and Animal Prey. Several titles have been named as National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)/Children’s Book Council (CBC) Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, and Animal Predators was honored as a Top 10 Youth Nonfiction Series by Booklist.

Markle is also the author of the Insect World series and several single titles. Her book Rescues! was named a Best Book by the Society of School Librarians International and a Recommended Title of Outstanding Nonfiction by the National Council of Teachers of English’s (NCTE) Orbis Pictus Award committee; Animal Heroes was named a 2008 Lasting Connections title by Book Links. Markle lives in Lakewood Ranch, Florida with her husband, photographer Skip Jeffery.

Editorial Reviews

"A page-turning narrative young zoologists will not be able to put down. . . . An animal conservation tale with a happy ending . . . and a must-read for monkey lovers."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

09/01/2015
Gr 3–6—Markle brings to life the complex, decades-long work that scientists and volunteers around the world have done to save the golden lion tamarin from extinction. As the number of monkeys dwindled due to the destruction of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, zoos implemented breeding programs. However, they were unsuccessful until researchers realized how tamarins interact in family groups. Once the numbers increased, new challenges included how to prepare zoo-raised tamarins to survive in the wild and how to provide more habitat by reclaiming pasture land to create forest corridors. Numerous photographs of the golden lion tamarins and the humans working to insure their survival introduce readers to the lives of these intriguing monkeys. VERDICT Readers gain insights into the research, hard work, and patience involved in conservation efforts while learning about a fascinating animal. A fine choice for most collections.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

School Library Journal

★ 2015-07-22
Markle chronicles the amazing efforts to save a tiny (and adorable) species. In 1960 there were only an estimated 200 golden lion tamarins in the wild. Their habitat along the coast of Brazil was being destroyed by logging. In 1975 there were about 122 in captivity, but they weren't breeding; when they did, the young died. After laying out this grim reality, the economical text goes on to describe how zoologist Devra Kleiman discovered that golden lion tamarins had a different family structure than chimps and other primates. When the tamarins were housed appropriately, their populations in captivity skyrocketed, reaching 500 in the '80s. Efforts then began to reintroduce them to the wild. Initial attempts failed, but mixing wild-born tamarins with zoo-born worked; then came the push to expand their available habitats. Markle does her usual excellent job presenting information in a page-turning narrative young zoologists will not be able to put down. Varied page layouts, vibrant photographs, and charming monkey mugs boost appeal. Contextual definitions of difficult or new concepts and fine backmatter, including further resources (both Web and print), a glossary, and a timeline, make this a must for nonfiction collections seeking more than just-the-facts series animal titles. An animal conservation tale with a happy ending (3,200 estimated in the wild today) and a must-read for monkey lovers. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews