Baboon flock tree. What does a dog-headed monkey look like? Amorous affairs: love and reproduction of baboons

Spreading

Baboons are distributed throughout almost all of Africa. They are unique gender primates (except humans), which are also found in the northeast of the continent, in 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 color. The backside is also hairless. In females during 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. For sleep they choose high places on trees or 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. In communication they use 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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    See what "Baboons" are in other dictionaries: BABOANS

    See what "Baboons" are in other dictionaries: Modern encyclopedia - genus. 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

    See what "Baboons" are in other dictionaries:- 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

    See what "Baboons" are in other dictionaries:- a genus or family of Old World dog-headed monkeys. Dictionary 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 Monkey-shaped). 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, drill, 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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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 South Africa, can be attributed to the genus of 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 representatives of the genus have long canine muzzles, powerful jaws with sharp fangs, closely spaced eyes, thick fur except the muzzle, short tails and ischial 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

The behavior of monkeys during the mating season largely depends on the social structure. In mixed groups, males can mate with any females, and a major role is played by social status male, 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 wildlife The baboon lives 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 and semi-desert, therefore they 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.

baboon anubis, or Doger's baboon (Papio anubis) - primate species monkey family (Cercopithecidae). The specific name is given for external resemblance monkeys with images of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, often with a dog's head. Previously, along with the bear and Guinea baboons, it was considered a type of baboon. It is noted that anubis can interbreed with baboons.

Anubis fur has various brownish-olive shades. The muzzle is black and lacks fur. Females weigh from 14 to 20 kg and their body length is approximately 60 cm. Males weigh from 24 to 32 kg and their body length is approximately 74 cm.

Difference baboons is the so-called bare “genital skin”, which changes its color depending on the amount of sex hormones in the blood. Therefore, during the breeding season, baboons that have reached puberty have a pronounced red “gender skin” color.

The habitat of Anubis is mainly the savannas of Africa (in northern Tanzania and from Mali to Ethiopia). Availability drinking water- this is the primary factor that determines the possibility of baboons living in a certain environment.

The diet of anubis is quite varied and includes fruits, plants, roots and tubers. They also hunt insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles. At night, anubises climb trees, and during the day they lead a fairly active terrestrial lifestyle.

In males puberty occurs at the age of 60-80 months, and in females at 54 months. Females give birth to cubs approximately once every two years. The first time a female becomes a mother is between the ages of 4 and 8 years. Male cubs, having matured, leave the group, and daughters maintain long-term relationships with their mother. Family groups can number 8-200 individuals, but generally their numbers range from 30 to 60 individuals. There are more females in the group than males. Social relationships are built along the maternal line.

In captivity, Anubis live up to 20 years, and in natural environment Their life expectancy is from 12 to 15 years. Over the past decade, the number of Anubis in Ethiopia has decreased by 70%, so this type listed in Annex II of the Convention on International Trade (CITES).

Anubis are widespread and have adapted to humans to a certain extent. Groups of baboons sometimes enter plantations and fields, destroying them. Because of this, they are often hunted. They are threatened by habitat destruction in some areas, but are not generally considered endangered by the IUCN.

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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 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 behavior of the monkey is dictated social structure the group in which she lives. If the flock is mixed, then the male can mate with any female. What is important here is the social status of 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. The lifespan of baboons in the wild is approximately 30 years. In captivity, these monkeys can live 45 years.


A newborn baboon first clings tightly to the fur on its mother's chest. When he grows up a little, he will move onto her back. Over time, the baby begins to go downstairs more and more often to play with his peers.

These smart animals live in Africa and the south Arabian Peninsula, live big family groups with a strict hierarchical system.

Baboons belong to the superfamily of canine-like monkeys, which consists of two families. In addition to the baboon, monkeys include the common macaque, the black-crested Sulawesi baboon, the mandrill and drill, the gelada, the mapgobay or black-faced monkey, and the red hussar monkey. The family of slender-bodied monkeys consists of langurs, rhinopithecus, short-nosed slender-bodied monkeys, pygatrix, thick-bodied monkeys or gwerets. The superfamily of the lower narrow-nosed monkeys, together with the superfamily of anthropoid primates, constitute one group of narrow-nosed monkeys, or Old World monkeys. Apes include the gibbon, orangutan, chimpanzee, gorilla and human. Related species baboons: chacma. or the bear baboon, yellow baboon, or baboon, anubis and sphinx, or Guinea baboon. All types have several inlets.

Today, baboons are common in Africa and the south of the Arabian Peninsula, but in glacial period they also lived in India and China. Baboons are inhabitants of the steppes and savannas of Africa; Moreover, they are also found in savanna forests and mountainous areas.

Elongated muzzle, large cheek pouches and a long nose Baboons gave rise to the nickname “dog-headed monkeys.” The strong teeth of these animals allow them to cope with a wide variety of foods.

Dimensions

The size of baboons varies widely: from the tiny Guinea baboon to the large South African baboon (chacma). Except great apes and humans, the largest primates are found among baboons (height - from 51 to 114 cm, tail length - from 5 to 71 cm, body weight - 14-54 kg). The baboon's head is disproportionately massive in relation to the rest of the body. Baboons have a long snout, long nose and large cheek pouches, which is why they are called "dog-headed monkeys", as well as small, deep-set eyes and small ears. Males, which, as a rule, have a magnificent bright mantle of long hair, much larger than females. The hair on other parts of the body is usually less dense. The ischial calluses consist of two smooth, hairless, pink cushions covered with thickened, keratinized skin. In females ready for mating, the ischial calluses often grow and become brightly colored.

Baboons are omnivores, and their diet contains both plant (fruits, bulbs, etc.) and animal (insects, small vertebrates) food. They can be good hunters: large males can even catch a gazelle. 32 fully formed teeth and powerful long fangs allow it to cope with a wide variety of foods.

Baboons lead a terrestrial lifestyle, climbing trees only when sleeping or in case of danger. Baboons are well adapted to life on land: unlike tree monkeys and other terrestrial primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas, their forelimbs and hindlimbs are almost the same length. The broad, massive feet and hands have well-developed thumbs. Most monkeys walk on their hind limbs, while baboons often walk on all four. When walking, they either rest on flat soles or elevate their wrists and ankles, which makes walking much easier and faster. Baboons' tails are not designed for grasping, so they do not cling to branches when climbing trees.

Night on the tree

Baboons often climb trees during the day in order to inspect the area or when enemies appear.

Baboons are not usually afraid of people. In national parks, animals happily accept food from the hands of tourists; the most impatient gourmands sometimes steal food.

Night is the hunting time for many large predators, so baboons sleep on the top branches of the most tall trees. Since they are able to sit and even sleep on very thin branches, an entire group can occupy just a few trees. Baboons always climb up before sunset and stay there until dawn. It is believed that the animals sleep in turns, providing protection to the entire flock. The exception is the hamadryas living in mountainous areas, which sleep on rock ledges.

Life next to a person

Unlike most large wild animals, baboons often settle not far from human habitation, making periodic raids on agricultural land.

The main enemy of baboons is the leopard, which is exterminated by poachers because of its valuable fur; in such areas, the number of baboons increases sharply as a result of a disruption in the natural balance that regulates the number of species in nature.

Baboons are social animals, living in flocks of 40-60 individuals. Relationships between group members are based on a hierarchical chain of command. The dominant position is occupied by strong adult males (leaders). By uniting, flocks can roam in large groups of 200-300 individuals. Baboons feel safe only within a pack, so not a single animal dares to live on its own. Within a community, separate groups can form based on different social relationships and certain personal characteristics.

Habitat

A herd of baboons often lives over a fairly large territory (5-15 km), which it can share with other related groups. Flocks are occasionally found - usually only near a non-drying source of water at the end of the dry season. The different groups, although showing mutual interest, generally do not mix or display hostility towards each other.

In the ranks of the baboon community, order is always maintained during movement. Subordinate strong males and sometimes juveniles lead the column; they are followed by young animals and older females. In the center are the females with their cubs, as well as most of the leaders. The back rows are lined up like a vanguard, which allows for constant protection for females and cubs. No matter where the predator approaches, it will be met by an adult male. If the enemy manages to get close enough, the males will be between him and the fleeing females with their cubs, trying to protect their fellow tribesmen.

Grooming not only keeps the coat clean, but also promotes social communication between members of a baboon troop. Females clean the new mother and her baby especially carefully.

Baboons are not afraid of most animals. The only exceptions are lions and leopards, at the sight of which primates quickly climb trees. Usually, baboons only at the last moment get out of the way of such large animals as elephants and rhinoceroses, knowing that they are not in danger.

Peaceful coexistence

Baboons generally coexist peacefully with many species and often graze alongside antelope, zebra, giraffe and buffalo, benefiting both parties. Thus, on the open plain, baboons are often found next to impala antelope, and bushbuck antelope stay in the forest. The keen sense of smell of antelopes warns primates of danger; in turn, baboons have keen eyesight and constantly look around while eating. When a predator appears, the baboon emits a warning signal that is also perceived by other animals.

When threatened, the baboon (like the gelada in this photo) bares its teeth. When the mouth is closed, the upper fangs fit into the gaps between the lower teeth.

Likewise, an alarm call from an antelope causes baboons to flee. This interaction is especially useful near a body of water, where dense vegetation significantly reduces horizons.

When resting or eating, a herd of baboons is divided into small groups, usually consisting of two females and cubs different ages or an adult male with one or more females and cubs who constantly groom his fur. Small groups can survive during migrations. Unlike other animals, in which the leader constantly leads and protects the flock, baboons themselves stay close to the leader.

Baboons have a very strict hierarchy. The leaders enjoy a privileged position: they are most often cleaned, they are offered food first, etc. When the leader approaches the subordinate male, the latter moves aside. Leaders usually stick together, so they can always come to each other's aid if other members of the group try to break out of submission. As a result, even a large and strong male will not be able to cope with a weaker leader.

Hamadryas, or "sacred baboons", are often classified as a separate subgenus. They live in small groups (1 adult male, 1 to 9 females and young) in open mountainous areas.

Social grooming

Grooming - social form behavior in monkeys, expressed in picking and cleaning the fur of another individual. Most often this is done by adult females.

A young mother grooms her baby from birth. Females clean the young of other females, juveniles, adult males and females. Adult females and young baboons gather to groom a new mother and her baby. With the help of grooming, the cubs begin to distinguish between their fellow tribesmen and their social status.

Grooming not only preserves the integrity of the flock, but also helps maintain the cleanliness and health of its members. Thus, ticks, which are very common in the tropics, rarely infect baboons.

Three yellow baboons quench their thirst in a stream. At the end of the dry season, several flocks of baboons are usually found near non-dry bodies of water.

The only cub

A female baboon, after a pregnancy lasting an average of 170-195 days, usually gives birth to one cub; Twins are extremely rare. An adult female, provided that she is not pregnant and is not nursing a calf, is ready to mate within every fourth week. During this period, her ischial calluses swell and turn red. Before mating, females leave their groups and wean their young. One male and one female form a pair that can last from several hours to several days, and during the mating season the males court only one female. The newborn clings to the fur on the mother's chest, from where after some time it moves onto its back. At first he holds on tightly to the fur, but later sits up straight. Having switched to solid food, the cub increasingly begins to leave its mother to play with its peers.

The games of the cubs prepare them for adult life. Young baboons often climb trees and chase each other, grabbing each other and rolling on the ground. Adults closely monitor them, not allowing the fun to become too aggressive. If one of the cubs screams in pain, the adult baboon will immediately stop such play.

  • Did you know?
  • Studying the life of baboons allows scientists to learn more about the development of human society. Steppe baboons live in the same areas where our ancestors lived. Baboon groups are very similar to communities of primitive people.
  • Baboons that constantly live near humans can pose a certain danger. In national parks, animals are accustomed to being fed by tourists. To the security guards national park in Uganda, they even had to kill one baboon, which began to sneak up on fishermen and steal food, harming people severe injuries. There are also cases where baboons pulled a child out of a stroller and killed it, bit two women to death, and also seriously injured children.
  • Hamadryas, which some zoologists consider to be a separate subgenus, are unlike other baboons. They do not form large communities, but live in groups consisting of one adult male, 1 to 9 females and cubs. Hamadryas sleep on rock ledges, and in the evening several groups of up to 750 individuals can gather on the rock. During the day, the flock breaks up and meets again only in the evening.
  • Female baboons were often used to herd goats. One farmer taught a young female to watch her goats and bring them back from the pasture in the evening. At the same time, the baboons knew and performed their duties well.