User:Xxagile/AfricanAnimals/Baboon

What does it look like?

Olive baboon

All baboons have long dog-like muzzles (cynocephalus, "dog-head"), close-set eyes, heavy powerful jaws, thick fur except on their muzzle, and a short tail and rough spots on their extended hindquarters, called ischial callosities. These callouses are nerveless, hairless pads of skin which are present to provide sitting comfort for the baboon (and other Old World monkeys). Males of the Hamadryas Baboon species also have a large white mane.

There is considerable differences in size and weight depending on species, the Guinea Baboon is 50 cm (20 inches) and weighs only 14 kg (30 lb) while the biggest Chacma Baboon can be 120 cm (47 inches) and weigh 40 kg (90 lb).

What does it eat?

Their diet is omnivorous, both meat and vegetation, but mostly vegetarian; yet they eat insects and occasionally prey on fish, shellfish, hares, birds, vervet monkeys, and small antelopes. They are foragers and are active at irregular times throughout the day and night. They can raid human dwellings and in South Africa they have been known to prey on sheep and goats.

Baby baboon with mother.

Where can it be found?

Baboons are terrestrial (ground dwelling) and are found in open savannah, open woodland and hills across Africa. Most baboons live in hierarchical troops. Group sizes vary between 5 to 250 animals (often about 50 or so), depending on specific circumstances, especially species and time of year.

How does it defend itself?

Their main predators are man and the leopard, although they are tough prey for a leopard and large males will often confront them by flashing their eyelids, showing their teeth by yawning, making gestures, and chasing after the intruder/predator.

Baboons in captivity have been known to live up to 45 years, while in the wild their life expectancy is about 30 years.