Where does the baboon live? Baboon dog

This monkey has distinctive feature– her face is very similar to a dog’s. All representatives of the genus have one habitat - southern part 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 snouts 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 muzzles have different shapes, wool can be dyed in different colors, they have different size bodies. Males are almost 2 times larger than females. The male has a large mane on his head white. 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 fur, 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. It is important in this regard social status this male. 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. Lifespan of a baboon wildlife is approximately 30 years. In captivity, these monkeys can live 45 years.

This is the largest and strong family of the lower apes.

2. The baboon is considered the largest monkey of the Old World. Africa and the Southwestern expanses of the Arabian coast are inhabited by this interesting and peculiar animal.

3. French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon had a tense relationship with creditors, including the Baboon family. In his Natural History, he played on the similarity of the surname with the Old French word “babine” (“mask with horns and beard”) and called one of the genera of monkeys baboons. In Russian, this genus is called baboons, and baboon is one of its species.

4. There are many types of baboons, the most famous include: crested baboon, bear baboon, Cameroon baboon, frilled baboon, African baboon, yellow baboon or baboon.

5. Baboons differ from all their other brethren in their amazing endurance, aggressiveness and ability to adapt.

6. Baboons, or as they are also called, dog-headed monkeys, have a characteristic appearance: an elongated, dog-like muzzle with long fangs, a powerful body, long hair on the head that looks like a comb, and red ischial calluses.

7. Adult male baboons reach a weight of 40 kilograms, females weigh slightly less.

8. Baboons have dark brown fur, and they are rightfully considered masters of camouflage: the animals are difficult to notice against the background of the ground or trees.

9.They live near watering places, and during periods of drought, some animals dig holes in dry river beds and thus extract precious moisture.

10. Almost everything free time These monkeys spend their time searching for food. They feed on berries, fruits, herbs, bird eggs, insects, and plant roots.

11.In search of food, baboons can cover about 40 kilometers in a day.

12. Baboons have an elongated muzzle due to widened maxillary bones and large canines.

13. The animal's nostrils are located at the end of its snout, while in many other species of monkeys they are located on the upper side. The baboon monkey has noticeably developed cheek pouches.

14.The length of his limbs is almost the same. Its tail is relatively short. And the fur is very elongated, which from the outside looks like a mantle on the body, and in the area of ​​the head it looks like a large beard.

Guinea baboon

15. A distinctive feature of the baboon genus monkeys is their bare buttocks, which are highly developed, elastic and calloused. They have a bright red color. This property is present not because of increased pigmentation, but because baboons have especially developed blood vessels in that area.

16.It is the color of the baboons’ buttocks that reveals the animal’s mood. If an animal from the baboon family is very excited, it becomes especially pronounced. During illness, this place becomes pale, and after death it disappears completely.

17. Despite the fact that baboons are lower apes, they have remarkable intelligence, ingenuity and ingenuity. These dexterous and intelligent animals have thinking close to that of humans. For this, many peoples consider them a deity.

Bear baboons

18. U bear baboons its own specific social structure has long been developed. The pack is led by the strongest male. He manages to keep the upper hand over all other baboons through intimidation.

19. Young and inexperienced baboon males are subject to frequent attacks, which makes it possible to remind them who is boss in the pack. This leader also zealously defends his fellow men from the attacks of “outsiders.” Quite often such battles can end in the death of the leader.

20. There is also inequality among females. The female that the leader preferred, and subsequently their cubs, are held in greater esteem than all other animals.

Cameroon baboon

21. Cameroonian baboons have a slightly different social structure. Due to the inability to run fast enough and the lack of secluded shelter in the savannas, which is where these animals prefer to live, they also live in packs.

22. Only, if bear baboons are protected from enemies by their leader, then Cameroonian baboons prefer to take a common defense and protect themselves from the enemy with common efforts.

23. Young males of these animals line up in a crescent formation and, in a desperate and fierce struggle, cut off the enemy from his pack, brutally dealing not with the attacking enemy, but with the victim.

Yellow baboon

24. Yellow baboons, or baboons as they are also called, react differently to enemy attacks. They scatter in different directions, creating inconvenience for the enemy when choosing a victim.

25. Baboons are the most aggressive and dangerous look monkeys, distinguished by their evil, unbridled character and incredible strength.

26. In danger Everyday life Tests of hunger and thirst occur quite often among baboons. Perhaps this is where the reasons for their aggressive behavior come from.

27. Baboons find it difficult to sit in one place; they prefer eternal wandering sedentary lifestyle life.

African baboon

28. There are rumors about the arrogant and aggressive nature of the African baboon. Ancient legends it is said that if these monkeys feel strongly threatened by a person, they may even throw stones at him. Therefore, when meeting these animals, it is better not to tempt fate, but rather to simply walk around them without looking them in the eye.

29. Several centuries ago, the Nama people living in South Africa used particularly intelligent baboons as goat herders. They treated their work very responsibly, did not allow animals to stray from the herd, and promptly warned of danger when they saw predators. Sometimes the baboon would choose the largest goat and ride on it.

30. This practice was also adopted by some European farmers who settled on these lands - the last case described in print of a female baboon named Ala working on a farm in Namibia dates back to 1961.

frilled baboon

31. In a flock of frilled baboons, quarrels and fights can occur quite often. Their main leader manages to stop all this chaos with just one fierce look.

32. Unity and pronounced courage arise in these animals in the event of danger threatening them. At such moments, even leopards and lions are not afraid of them.

33. These animals deftly climb trees and run quickly on their hind legs. Predators living near baboons are afraid to attack these animals: the male baboon always comes to the defense of the female and cubs.

34. Baboons that live close to people or in nurseries calmly accept human attention and happily feast on treats from their hands. There were cases when a playful animal snatched some kind of treat right from the hands of a passer-by and it looked funny.

35. Average duration The lifespan of baboons is from 30 to 40 years.

Description

From the point of view of most zoologists, the genus Papio (baboons) includes five species of primates from the family Ape - anubis, baboon, hamadryas, Guinea baboon and bear baboon (chacma). Some scientists, confident that the division into five is incorrect, combine all varieties into one group.

Appearance

Males are almost 2 times larger than their females, and the most representative among Papio is the bear baboon, growing up to 1.2 m with a weight of 40 kg. The Guinea baboon is recognized as the smallest, its height does not exceed half a meter and weighs only 14 kg.
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The color of the fur varies (depending on the species) from brown to grayish-silver. All primates are distinguished by strong jaws with sharp fangs and close-set eyes. It is impossible to confuse a female baboon with a male - males have more impressive fangs and noticeable white manes adorning their heads. There is no hair on the face, and the skin is colored black or pink.

The tail of baboons looks like an even column, curved and raised at the base, and then hangs freely downwards.

Lifestyle

The life of baboons is full of hardships and dangers: they constantly have to be on guard, periodically starve and experience excruciating thirst. For most of the day, baboons wander on the ground, leaning on all fours and sometimes climbing trees. To survive, primates have to unite into large herds of up to forty relatives. About six males, twice as many females, and their children together can coexist in a group.

With the arrival of twilight, monkeys settle down to sleep, climbing higher - on the same trees or rocks. Females tend to surround their leaders. They go to bed while sitting, which is greatly facilitated by elastic sciatic calluses, which allow them to not notice the inconvenience of the chosen position for a long time. They set off on their journey during the day, in a well-organized community, at the center of which are the alpha male and mothers with cubs. They are accompanied and guarded by younger males, who are the first to take the blow in case of danger and make sure that the females do not break away from the herd.

The body length of males reaches 80-90 cm, and females 40-45 cm. Weight is 20-30 kg and 10-15 kg, respectively. The length of the tail is 45-60 cm. It ends with a small tassel.

The fur of males is silvery-white. They have a mane and mantle that grows in around 10 years of age. Females do not have them, and their coat color takes on various shades of light brown.

The muzzle is strongly elongated and devoid of hair. In males it is bright pink, while in females it is brownish and dull. The bare ischial calluses are pink in both sexes. The darkish fur of babies lightens as they grow older.

The lifespan of hamadryas baboons in the wild rarely exceeds 15-20 years. In captivity they live up to 37 years.

It is always interesting to watch monkeys - they are so spontaneous, sweet and smart that they cannot leave anyone indifferent! What a dog-headed monkey is, what are its features and unusual habits - he will tell you about it next material.

Range, habitats

The baboon’s homeland is almost the entire vast African continent, divided into habitats of individual species. The baboon is found in the territory from Angola to South Africa and Kenya, the baboon and anubis live somewhat to the north, inhabiting the equatorial regions of Africa from east to west. A slightly less wide range is occupied by the two remaining species: the Guinea baboon lives in Cameroon, Guinea and Senegal, and the hamadryas inhabits Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and part Arabian Peninsula(Aden area).

Baboons are well adapted to life in savannas, semi-deserts and woodlands, and in last years began to oppress people, settling closer and closer to human habitation. Monkeys become not only annoying, but also arrogant neighbors.

Appearance

Big monkey, reaching one meter in length (old males), with 20-25 cm on the tail; females are half the size. The general color of the hair covering the body of the hamadryas is gray (the color of dry grass); in males, long, originally arranged hair on the head, shoulders and chest forms something like a mane. The ischial calluses are red, the bare skin of the face is dirty flesh-colored. Females are darker colored than males and have shorter mane hair; young males look like females.

Baboon diet

Monkeys prefer plant food, but on occasion they will not refuse animal food. In search of suitable provisions, they cover from 20 to 60 km per day, merging (thanks to the color of their coat) with the main background of the area.

The diet of baboons contains:

• fruits, rhizomes and tubers;
• seeds and grass;
• shellfish and fish;
• insects;
• birds;
• hares;
• young antelopes.

But baboons have long been dissatisfied with the gifts of nature - the tailed sneaks have become adept at stealing food from cars, houses and garbage cans. In the southern regions of Africa, these monkeys increasingly hunt livestock (sheep and goats).

Notes

1. Sokolov V. E. Five-language dictionary of animal names. Mammals. Latin, Russian, English, German, French. / under the general editorship of academician. V. E. Sokolova. - M.: Rus. lang., 1984. - P. 92. - 10,000 copies.
2. 1000 wonders of nature. 2007. ISBN 5-89355-027-7

Natural enemies

Predators avoid mature baboons, especially those walking in a large herd, but they will not miss the chance to attack a female, weakened or young primate.

The baboon belongs to the order of primates and forms a genus in which there are 5 species. This monkey is notable for having a dog-like face. All species live in sub-Saharan Africa. One species, namely the hamadryas, also lives on the Arabian Peninsula. There is a version that this population was brought to Arabia by people in ancient times. Some experts believe that 2 more species of monkeys living in Central and Southern Africa can be classified as baboons. However, people still have too little knowledge about the morphological, genetic and behavioral diversity of these animals. So it's very difficult to accept final decision on this issue.

All members of the genus have long canine muzzles, powerful jaws with sharp fangs, closely spaced eyes, thick fur except the muzzle, short tails and calluses on the buttocks. All species have well-expressed sexual dimorphism. Females differ from males in the shape of their muzzles, sizes, and sometimes the color of their skin. Male hamadryas have large white manes. Males are almost 2 times larger than the weaker sex. They also have more powerful fangs. The tail of animals is curved. One third of the base points upward, and the rest hangs down.

Dimensions depend on the type. These monkeys are divided into bear baboon, guinea baboon, anubis, hamadryas and baboon. The first type is considered the largest. The body length of these animals can reach 120 cm and weigh 40 kg. Other types are smaller. The smallest species is considered to be the Guinean species with a body length of 50 cm and a weight of 14 kg. The color of the coat depends entirely on the species and varies from brown to silver. No hair grows on the face. It can be pink or black. There is also no hair on the back of the body. During the mating season, the buttocks of females swell and become red.

Reproduction and lifespan

Behavior of monkeys during mating season largely depends on social structure. In mixed groups, males can mate with any females; the social status of the male plays an important role, which sometimes provokes fights between rivals. However, there are also more subtle relationships between the sexes. Friendship arises between a male and a female. At the same time, a representative of the stronger sex helps the lady care for the offspring, brings food and receives the baby during childbirth.

Pregnancy lasts 6 months. 1 cub is born. It weighs approximately 400 g. Milk feeding lasts 1 year. Puberty occurs at the age of 5-7 years. Young males leave the group even before puberty, and females remain for life in the pack in which they were born. In the wild, a baboon lives for about 30 years. Life expectancy in captivity is 45 years.

Behavior and nutrition

These animals live not only in wooded areas, but also in open savannah, semi-desert, and therefore unite in large groups to protect themselves from predators. They spend most of their time on the ground, but they can climb trees very well. They move on 4 legs, sleep in trees or climb rocks. In search of food they can travel tens of kilometers a day. A herd usually has an average of 50 animals.

The job of young males is to protect other monkeys from predators. Collective defense always gives a very good effect. In addition, baboons are distinguished by their courage and rush at the enemy without fear. These animals are omnivores, but mostly herbivores. They feed on insects, mollusks, and hunt fish, birds, hares, and small antelopes. They can raid human possessions. In South Africa, these primates steal goats and sheep.

The bear baboon or chacma is one of the largest species of baboons, whose habitat is located in the south of the African continent. The appearance of the animal is very characteristic and looks menacing: an elongated muzzle, powerful jaws with fangs. In addition, the weight of a bear baboon reaches 30 kg, and the primates themselves are distinguished by their quarrelsome character. That is why it is better not to meet this animal in the wild.

The body length of bear baboons is in the range of 0.40-1.10 m, Weight Limit reaches 30 kg. The tail is curved, shorter in length than the body, and does not exceed 0.80 m. The tail in the first third is directed upward, and then hangs down.

The body is large and strong. The coat color is blackish-greenish. Silky hairs grow along the back and on the paws. long hair black color. The baboon's butt is hairless. During the breeding season in females, it turns bright red and swells. The muzzle is dog-shaped, elongated, has no fur, is dark red in color, with whitish rings around the eyes. The eyes are close to each other, set deep, and the eyebrow droops.

The diet of the bear baboon is quite varied. Animals readily feed on herbaceous vegetation, fruits, seeds and roots, as well as reptiles, insects, scorpions, and on occasion even attack small livestock, for example, they can often attack a flock of sheep. At the same time, the bear baboon behaves very smartly and bravely, enters into fights with dogs guarding the herd, and often emerges victorious, simultaneously dragging away newborn lambs. Gnawing through the walls of the latter's bellies with their sharp fangs, baboons drink milk from their stomachs. While foraging for food, several males always monitor the situation around them, and if any dangerous situation, emit alarming cries, which serve as a signal for all baboons to gallop to safety.

The population that lives on the Cape of Good Hope also feeds bivalves and shark eggs. Sea food the animals search the shore during strong low tides, coming to the coast approximately once every two weeks.

The bear baboon lives in southern Africa (eastern Ethiopia, eastern Sudan, northern Somalia), and is also found in Asia (southern Arabian Peninsula). Prefers rocky areas to live.

Common subspecies of baboon

For bear baboons, three subspecies are distinguished, which are determined by the main places of distribution of the animals:

• Papio ursinus ursinus Kerr - found in the south of the African continent;

• Papio ursinus griseipes Pocock – distributed from northern regions South Africa to Zambia;

• Papio ursinus raucana Shortridge - lives in Namibia and southern Angola.

Males and females of the bear baboon are endowed with sexual dimorphism, which is manifested in the body features and sizes of representatives of different sexes. Males are on average twice as large in size as females, and also differ from the latter in having significantly larger fangs and a lush mane.

Like other types of baboons, the bear baboon lives in groups, which are usually mixed, and consist of several dozen individuals. In some regions, for example, in the mountains of South Africa, groups in which there is only one male predominate. In other areas of the range there may be several males in a group, but the main one in such a herd will still be only one leader, that is, a dominant male. Compared to baboons living alone, living in groups makes the animals more secure and strong.

During the daytime, bear baboons search for food on the ground, but in case of danger they instantly climb into the trees. As soon as it gets dark, the animals go to spend the night in caves, or climb steep cliffs and tall trees, that is, they try to hide in places that are difficult for most predators to reach.

The bear baboon is characterized by a rather complex social behavior, animals communicate with each other using a variety of postures, grimaces, sounds and bodily contact.

As for the social structure, the leader is the strongest male; he controls the weak members of the group, intimidating them. Often attacks young males, beating them, reminding them who is in charge. But in the event of a meeting with another flock of aggressive baboons, it is the leader who will engage in battle with the leader of the rival group, and will actively protect the members of his family. Such fights often end fatally.

Females also have their own hierarchy. The main female is considered to be the one towards whom the leader male shows greatest attention and location. And even her offspring are always surrounded by increased attention and care from all other members of the group. Each of the females strives to take a leading position, so they can also start fights among themselves. But the female allows the dominant male to approach her only during ovulation, and at other times she freely flirts with other males. Their pregnancy lasts about 6 months and ends with the birth of one baby.

The duration of pregnancy in bear baboons is 155-185 days, only one baby is born with Pink colour muzzle and black fur. The adult coloration of a young animal is formed by the end of the first year of life. Milk feeding of the offspring lasts from 5 to 8 months, and all this time the female carefully takes care of her baby, not allowing anyone from the group to approach him. Even when the baby has grown a little and become stronger, only the females of the group closest to his mother can play with him.

The baboon population is quite large and is not endangered. Natural enemies These primates are leopards, who prefer to hunt defenseless babies, since adults can easily stand up for themselves and even fight back against an attacking predator. In case of danger, the strongest males hide the females and cubs, forming a tight ring around them, and they themselves fiercely display their sharp fangs, expressing their readiness to tear the attacker to shreds.

• The bear baboon has a very quarrelsome character; local residents advise not to approach these animals in the wild. An adult bear baboon can easily deal with hunting dog, and can even organize an organized attack on the herd. Local shepherds quite often have to deal with chakma attacks on their flocks of sheep and the theft of lambs. At the same time, it is almost impossible to resist such an attack and protecting yourself from an angry baboon is not an easy task.
• Interestingly, when a bear baboon has an upset stomach, he finds kaolin (white clay) or any other clay and chews it until all the unpleasant symptoms go away.