Baboons are the most proud of primates. Chacma or bear baboon. Pictured is a frilled baboon

This monkey has a distinctive feature - its face is very similar to a dog's. All representatives of the genus have one habitat - the southern part of Africa, beyond the Sahara Desert.

The hamadryas, which is a type of baboon, is also found in the Arabian Peninsula. It is believed that they were brought there by people in ancient times. According to experts, baboons include two more species of monkeys that live in southern and central Africa. But they have not yet come to a consensus on this issue, since people still know very little about these monkeys, their behavioral, genetic, morphological diversity.

Appearance of a baboon

Baboons have long muzzles similar to those of dogs, close-set eyes, strong jaws with pointed fangs. Their body, with the exception of the muzzle, is covered with thick fur.

They have short tails. These monkeys have ischial calluses on their buttocks. In all species, the females are very clearly different from the males. Their faces have different shapes, their fur can be colored in different colors, and they have different body sizes. Males are almost 2 times larger than females. The male has a large white mane on his head. Also, representatives of the stronger sex are endowed with stronger fangs. The tail of baboons is curved, and from the base it is directed upward by about a third, and then downwards.


All species of these monkeys differ in size. The following types of baboons are distinguished: Guinea baboon, bear baboon, baboon, anubis and hamadryas. The largest is the bear baboon; their body length can reach 120 cm. These primates weigh about 40 kg. Other types are smaller in size. The smallest is the Guinea baboon, which grows to 50 cm in length and weighs about 14 kg. The color of the coat also depends on the species. Color can range from brown to silver. The muzzle is not covered with hair, there is bare skin that can be either pink or black. There is no hair on the buttocks of these monkeys. When mating season arrives, the buttocks of females turn red and swell.

Listen to the voice of the baboon monkey

Baboon behavior and nutrition


Baboons live both in forested areas and in semi-deserts and savannas, where they can be attacked by predators. To protect themselves, they unite in large groups. Baboons spend almost all their time on the ground, but they are also excellent tree climbers. They move on 4 limbs. They settle down to sleep on rocks or trees. When looking for food, they can walk several tens of kilometers. Typically, a group of baboons consists of approximately 50 individuals.

The task of young representatives of the stronger sex is to protect the flock from attacks by predators. The group is protected by a small group of young males, and such protection gives a strong and good result. These primates are very brave; in case of danger, they attack the enemy. Baboons are omnivores, but their diet mainly consists of plant foods. They eat shellfish, birds, insects, fish, and small antelopes. In search of food, they can sneak into human possessions. In southern Africa, they can steal livestock, namely sheep or goats.


Reproduction and lifespan

During the mating season, the monkey's behavior is dictated by the social structure of the group in which it lives. If the flock is mixed, then the male can mate with any female. The social status of this male is important. Sometimes fights over females may occur. There may be other relationships between the female and the male, and friendship may arise between them. In this case, the male participates in caring for the cubs, delivers birth to the female, and obtains food.

The duration of pregnancy is 6 months. One calf is born, weighing about 400 grams. The female feeds him with milk for 1 year. These primates become sexually mature when they reach the age of 5-7 years. Males leave the pack even before they reach sexual maturity. Females live their entire lives in the pack from which their mother belongs. The lifespan of baboons in the wild is approximately 30 years. In captivity, these monkeys can live 45 years.


Spreading

Baboons are distributed throughout almost all of Africa. They are the only genus of primates (other than humans) that are also found in the northeast of the continent, Egypt and Sudan. They are absent only in northwestern Africa and Madagascar. Hamadryas are also found on the Arabian Peninsula, although it is possible that this population was introduced by humans.

Appearance

Females and males of baboons differ greatly in their size and build. Males are almost twice as large as females and have much larger fangs, as well as a full mane in some species. The tail of baboons is shorter than the body and has a curved shape. The first third is directed upward, and the rest of the tail hangs down. The length of baboons ranges from 40 to 110 cm with a tail length of up to 80 cm. The largest species, the bear baboon, can weigh up to 30 kg.

Both sexes are characterized by a sharp dog-like muzzle, closely spaced eyes, powerful jaws and thick, coarse fur. The color of the coat varies depending on the species from silver to brownish. The muzzle is not covered with hair and is colored black or pink. The backside is also hairless. In females, during the mating season it swells and takes on a bright red color.

Distribution and movement

Baboons are active during the day and are found in semi-deserts, savannas and steppes, as well as in forested areas and even rocky regions. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they are good climbers. To sleep, they choose elevated places in trees or on rocks. They move on the ground on four legs and a bent tail. In search of food, they cover distances of up to 20 km every day.

Symbolism

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Synonyms:

See what "Baboon" is in other dictionaries:

    - (German). 1) a breed of short-tailed African monkeys with a dog-like head. 2) guard (for sailors). Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. BABOAN is a short-tailed monkey with a head resembling... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

    Chacma, sphinx, hamadryas, drill, mandrill, dog-headed monkey, baboon; ignorant Dictionary of Russian synonyms. baboon noun, number of synonyms: 12 baboon (3) ... Dictionary of synonyms

    BABOBION, baboon, husband. (Dutch bavian). A monkey from the genus Canidae. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

    BABOBION, ah, husband. A narrow-nosed monkey with an elongated snout and brightly colored calluses. | adj. baboon, ya, ye. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

    Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language by Max Vasmer

    M. A monkey of the ape family with an elongated snout and brightly colored ischial calluses. Ephraim's explanatory dictionary. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

    Baboon, baboons, baboon, baboons, baboon, baboons, baboon, baboons, baboon, baboons, baboons, baboons (

Baboons (as well as closely related mandrills, drills and geladas) are the largest living primates after the apes. The genus of baboons (Papio) is represented by five species. They all live in Africa, and only the hamadryas’ range also extends to Asia. All baboons are formidable and aggressive monkeys. Male baboons have truly huge fangs (however, the females have them by no means small), which have the shape of a curved dagger, with grooves, which probably give the fang greater strength. Surprisingly, but true: the fangs of baboons look even more terrifying than the fangs of carnivores.
Representatives of the genus Papio are very intelligent animals. In terms of intellectual development, they immediately follow the great apes (and most likely gibbons). All baboons are terrestrial monkeys, spending most of their time on the ground. However, they are excellent at climbing trees and, for safety reasons, prefer to sleep on them. They feed mainly on plant food (which is obtained both on the ground and in trees), but they also eat arthropods, bird eggs and various small animals. In addition, baboons sometimes hunt small mammals, such as baby gazelles.
They live in large families or flocks (you can hardly call it a herd). The number of individuals in a flock can vary greatly. There is a strict hierarchy in a troop of baboons. At the head is a seasoned male, around whom are his females and subordinate males. Females with cubs enjoy special privileges. The small cubs in the pack are also treated quite loyally. The attitude towards teenagers and young adults is very harsh.
Let's take a quick look at each of the five types of baboons individually.
Anubis baboon (Papio anubis) along with the chacma, it is the largest of the baboons. It is lower than the chakma, but looks more impressive. Partly due to the lush vegetation on the head and front of the body, but not as long as that of the hamadryas. In my opinion, the anubis, together with the Guinea baboon, is one of the most beautiful representatives of its genus, but much more impressive and, I would say, majestic. Its coat color is greenish, which is why it is sometimes called the olive or green baboon. The weight of anubis can reach about 30 kg, and I cannot say for sure who is heavier, anubis or chacma.
This is the most widespread species of baboons. Its range covers 25 African countries, stretching from Mali to Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Yellow baboon or baboon (Papio cynocephalus) a relatively small baboon. The color of the coat, as the name suggests, is yellowish. Distributed in East Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania to Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Hamadryas (Papio hamadryas)– a frequent visitor to zoos, but in nature it is a rather rare species. The coat color is light, especially in mature males. The fur, which is longer than that of other types of baboons, forms a lush mantle in males. They live in large groups, which can number up to two hundred animals.
Distributed in North Africa. Part of the hamadryas' range also extends to Asia.
Guinea baboon or sphinx (Papio papio)- a very cute representative of the baboon family. It has short fur of a pleasant reddish-yellow hue, due to which it is sometimes called the red baboon. Distributed in West Africa: Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, southern Mauritania and western Mali.
Chacma or bear baboon (Papio ursinus) considered the largest of the baboons. The weight of males reaches 30 kg or more. Their muzzle is very elongated, their limbs are longer than those of other types of baboons.

Photos:

Yellow baboon or baboon.

Hamadryad.

Guinea baboon.

Chacma, or bear baboon.

Anubis baboon.

The Bear Baboon (lat. Papio ursinus) is a narrow-nosed omnivorous monkey with large fangs, a hairless muzzle and buttocks. The Chacma or bear baboon lives in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are the largest members of the monkey family and are a highly social species.

They live in groups of four to 200 people. The group consists of adult males that form a dominance hierarchy that is established and maintained through fighting and aggression. Alpha males do not dominate for very long (6-12 months), because young males, as a rule, displace the “old men”. In contrast, females remain in their initial groups and form strong hierarchies that last for generations.


Chacmas are primarily omnivores and are distributed in forests, steppes and savannah deserts. They are considered one of the most dangerous primates for humans, as they have a very aggressive and unpredictable character. Local residents recommend staying away from them. Since bear baboons easily deal with their hunting dogs and are even capable of organizing organized attacks. Shepherds have more than once been powerless witnesses of how baboons stole newborn lambs from the herd.

These are land monkeys that have a hairy body and an elongated snout. Males have long (about 5 cm), razor-sharp fangs. Their fur is coarse, short and varies in color from gray to almost black. They have long limbs: the arms may be larger than the legs. Like other baboons, males are larger than females. The male can weigh between 30 and 40 kg, while the female can weigh around 15-20 kg.


Chakmas use facial expressions and body postures to communicate. Friendly behavior is expressed by soft grumbling and avoidance of contact with eyes and lips. The presentation of the rump is used as an invitation to sexually receptive women, as well as a conciliatory signal to both sexes. Aggressive behavior is the display of fangs and threatening body postures, which may be accompanied by shaking grass and tree branches.

The baboon has a wide range of vocal signals, which can be directed to each other or combined with each other. A well-known alarm and aggressive signal that is given only by high-ranking males when there is aggression between males or when a predator is nearby. A lower-ranking male may signal satisfaction, a desire for contact, or mild aggression. These baboons also use deceptive signals. For example, an infant may scream to incite its mother to attack another female who has some food that the infant wants.


Chacma baboons inhabit a wide range of habitats. They usually live in areas with adequate food and water supplies, and suitable places for resting and roosting: trees or high, rocky outcrops. They are omnivores and are able to change their diet based on what is available in the environment. They prefer to feed on shoots, roots, seeds or fruits. Their diet also includes invertebrates, small vertebrates, bird eggs, fungi and lichens. They also feed on waste from human settlements. Although baboon bears can eat almost anything, researchers say they typically choose foods that are high in protein and lipids and low in fiber and potential toxins. Baboons that are near human settlements may choose to obtain food by stealing food from houses, picnic areas and national parks. Sometimes people deliberately attracted baboons with food, thereby increasing the risk of encountering this aggressive primate. These animals can be major pests for farmers and people who live near their habitats.


Chacmas breed throughout the year. Sexual maturity occurs at age five for both sexes, although young males often begin breeding at 7–10 years of age, when they have grown large enough to challenge dominant males. The female reproductive cycle is about 36 days. The female prefers to mate with the alpha male. The gestation period is 6 months. Babies are weaned after six months, but remain dependent on their mothers to protect and educate them for about two years. Females give birth every two years, but birth rates can be suppressed by high population densities and unfavorable environmental conditions such as extreme heat and drought. Parental care mainly belongs to the mother, but males actively protect their offspring, and sometimes “babysit” the babies. The average lifespan of Chacma baboons is 30-40 years.


Their natural enemies are pythons, leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, jackals and eagles. Chakma living near agricultural lands are often raided by farmers and hunted for use in traditional medicine.

This is interesting:

  • Chacmas have cheek pouches the size of their stomachs in which they can store food.
  • These animals require daily water consumption to survive, but in arid areas, they can survive without water for about 20 days by eating food with a high water content.
  • Large numbers give an advantage when hunting and attacks by predators. They are very vigilant and always on guard, especially when moving through areas that may be hiding predators. A troop of males can attack and even kill a predator using their long, sharp fangs.
  • Bear baboons play a role in soil aeration and seed dispersal. They are a food source for many animals and therefore play an important role in the local food web.
  • Chakmas are not listed as endangered. But, nevertheless, some populations are under threat and need to be checked and protected.

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Spreading

Baboons are distributed throughout almost all of Africa. They are the only genus of primates (other than humans) that are also found in the northeast of the continent, Egypt and Sudan. They are absent only in northwestern Africa and Madagascar. Hamadryas are also found on the Arabian Peninsula, although it is possible that this population was introduced by humans.

Appearance

Females and males of baboons differ greatly in their size and build. Males are almost twice as large as females and have much larger fangs, as well as a full mane in some species. The tail of baboons is shorter than the body and has a curved shape. The first third is directed upward, and the rest of the tail hangs down. The length of baboons ranges from 40 to 110 cm with a tail length of up to 80 cm. The largest species, the bear baboon, can weigh up to 30 kg.

Both sexes are characterized by a sharp dog-like muzzle, closely spaced eyes, powerful jaws and thick, coarse fur. The color of the coat varies depending on the species from silver to brownish. The muzzle is not covered with hair and is colored black or pink. The backside is also hairless. In females, during the mating season it swells and takes on a bright red color.

Distribution and movement

Baboons are active during the day and are found in semi-deserts, savannas and steppes, as well as in forested areas and even rocky regions. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they are good climbers. To sleep, they choose elevated places in trees or on rocks. They move on the ground on four legs and a bent tail. In search of food, they cover distances of up to 60 km every day. They live in large herds. Communication uses up to 30 sound signals, facial expressions and gestures.

Symbolism

Famous baboons

Fred was a baboon who lived in Cape Town, South Africa, and came to international attention as the leader of a "gang" of monkeys involved in damaging cars, attacking tourists and locals, and stealing food. The scale of his activities attracted the attention of city authorities to Fred.


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  • Stenbeck, Joseph
  • Shalmaneser III

See what "Baboons" are in other dictionaries:

    BABOANS Modern encyclopedia

    BABOANS- a genus of narrow-nosed monkeys. Body length approx. 100 cm, tail 5-70 cm. The muzzle is elongated, similar to a dog. 7 species (hamadryas, baboon, drill, mandrill, etc.), in savanna forests and savannas of Africa. Omnivorous. They live in large herds. They lead a terrestrial lifestyle... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

    BABOANS- dog-headed monkeys (Papio), a genus of apes. Based on fossil remains, they are known from the Pliocene of Africa and Asia (India, China) and the Pleistocene of India. Large animals (male body length approx. 100 cm, tail 50-60 cm) of dense build. Females double... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

    BABOANS- a genus or family of Old World dog-headed monkeys. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Pavlenkov F., 1907 ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

    Baboons- or dog-headed monkeys are monkeys from the genera Cynocephalus and Theropithecus, often combined into one genus Cynocephalus. The muzzle is very elongated, swollen due to the expansion of the maxillary bones, the fangs are very large; Cynocephialus has nostrils at the end of the snout... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

    Baboons- BABOONS, a genus of monkeys (family Ape-like). The body length of males is about 100 cm, the tail is 5-70 cm; females are twice as small. The muzzle is elongated, similar to a dog. 7 species (hamadryas, mandrill, baboon, etc.), in savanna forests and savannas of Africa. Image… … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

    baboons- a genus of narrow-nosed monkeys. Body length is about 100 cm, tail 5-70 cm. The muzzle is elongated, similar to a dog. 7 species (hamadryas, baboon, dril, mandrill, etc.), in savanna forests and savannas of Africa. Omnivorous. They live in large herds. They lead the ground image... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary

    baboons- pavianai statusas T sritis zoologija | vardynas taksono rangas gentis apibrėžtis Gentyje 7 rūšys. Paplitimo arealas – Africa. atitikmenys: lot. Papio English baboons; savanna baboons vok. Paviane rus. baboons pranc. babouins; papions ryšiai:… … Žinduolių pavadinimų žodynas

    Baboons- (Papio) a genus of narrow-nosed monkeys of the Ape family. Body length 75-80 cm, tail 50-60 cm, weigh up to 30 kg. The muzzle is long, the eyebrows and fangs are strongly developed. The nostrils are wide and located at the end of the muzzle. The coat is long, sometimes forms... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

    Baboons- or dog-headed monkeys, monkeys from the genera Cynocephalus and Theropithecus, often combined into one genus Cynocephalus (see table. Monkeys and fig. of the skull of P. in the same place, in the text). The muzzle is very elongated, swollen due to the expansion of the maxillary bones... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

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