Re: In what number does an endanger species is consider to be out of danger.

Hi Amy!

Thanks for being patient regarding this answer.  The process by which we 
try to preserve certain species of animals - to keep them from going 
extinct - is called conservation biology.  The Golden Lion Tamarin is an 
endangered species meaning that without signficant intervention (habitat 
protections and the like), it is very likely this species will go extinct. 
A copule of good web pages for information on the Tamarin itself can be 
found at:
 http:
//www.zooregon.org/cards/Primates/tamarin.golden.lion.htm http://www.ba
gheera.com/inthewild/van_anim_tamarin.htm

These include excellent photographs as well.

The Golden Lion Tamarin is a primate and as such, as you noted, they do not 
have many young at one time nor do they reproduce frequently (as compared 
to organisms like rats or insects).  This makes them even more vulnerable 
to becoming threatened, endangered, or extinct - they can only repopulate 
slowly.

As for your specific question, the number of individuals needed in a 
population of any species in order to keep it from going extinct will vary 
from species to species but also from population to population.  For the 
tamarin, I do not think we know what the minimum number of individuals is 
that is necessary to keep them alive in the wild.  Obviously, the more the 
better, but as their habitat keeps disappearing, this is getting more and 
more difficult.  Not knowing what the cut-off is does make conservation 
efforts more difficult but many groups are involved in trying.  

I would emphasize that our efforts at conserving ANY species cannot work if 
the animals do not have a habitat in which to live.  There comes a point 
where we can continue to breed species in captivity but can never release 
them successfully because their "home" has been drastically altered.

There are many good links on the web pages I indicated above.

I hope this is helpful!

Sue
MadScientist