- Habitat loss: The main cause of their endangerment is the loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and urbanization.
- Hunting and illegal pet trade: Golden lion tamarins have been hunted for their fur and are also sought after as exotic pets, leading to illegal capture and trade.
- Fragmentation of populations: Their fragmented population structure, meaning small and isolated groups, increases the risk of genetic diversity loss and inbreeding, affecting the overall health and survival of the species.
- Disease: Golden lion tamarins are also susceptible to various diseases, such as yellow fever and distemper, which can spread rapidly in their small populations.
- Limited genetic diversity: Due to their small population sizes and habitat fragmentation, golden lion tamarins have low genetic diversity, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes and disease outbreaks.
- Natural disasters: Hurricanes and other natural disasters can further reduce the population numbers and destroy critical habitats.
- Competition with other species: Introduced non-native species, like marmosets, can compete with golden lion tamarins for food and resources.
- Climate change: The changing climatic conditions can impact the availability of food sources and cause habitat degradation, further challenging their survival.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat preservation, captive breeding programs, reintroductions, and raising public awareness, are crucial to protect this species and reverse its endangered status.