Natural History

Baboons belong to the genus Papio and are found in Africa. They are the largest and most terrestrial of the cheek pouch monkeys (Cercopithecines). There are five types of baboons: olive (Papio hamadryas anubis), yellow (P. h. cynocephalus), red (P. h. papio), chacma (P. h. ursinus) and hamadryas (P. h. hamadryas).

Natural Habitat Most baboons live in dry savanna woodlands Large home ranges: up to 4,000 hectares (185 to 9,884 acres) Diet Omnivorous, eating mainly roots, tubers, grasses, seeds and fruits; sometimes raid crops Opportunistic hunters Physiology All have dog-like snouts Quadrupedal: forelimbs and hindlimbs are approximately the same size Sexually dimorphic, with males much larger than females Adult males weigh 24-28 kilograms (kg), adult females weigh 12-14 kg Males have long canine teeth Usually live up to 25 years in captivity Birth interval: 18-24 months

Olive and Yellow baboons are found in many areas of Africa. They form multi-male, multi-female groups of 20 to 200 individuals each. Females are permanent members of the group, which is characterized as having a matrilineal organization. Females and males both maintain intense dominance hierarchies, which serve to preserve social order within the groups.

Hamadryas baboons live primarily in the highlands of Ethiopia. Males have characteristic white hair and bright red rumps. Females bond to a particular male, and the male may threaten a female (with a neck bite, for example) if she gets too far away. A male gets together with the females who have bonded with him to form a large troop. Males are relatively permanent members of a troop.

Last modified 15 October 2001