Baboons are African and Asian Old World monkeys belonging to the genus Papio, part of the subfamily Cercopithecinae. There are five species, which are some of the largest non-hominid members of the primate order; only the Mandrill and the Drill are larger. Previously, the closely related Gelada (genus Theropithecus) and two species of Mandrill and Drill (genus Mandrillus) were grouped in the same genus, and these Old World monkeys are still often referred to as baboons in everyday speech. They range in size and weight depending on species. The Guinea Baboon is 50 cm (20 inches) and weighs only 14 kg (30 lb) while the largest Chacma Baboon can be 120 cm (47 inches) and weigh 40 kg (90 lb). A group of baboons is collectively called a troop or congress.
Ten Facts about Baboons
- All baboons have long dog-like muzzles; heavy, powerful jaws with sharp canine teeth; close-set eyes; thick fur except on their muzzle; a short tail; and rough spots on their protruding buttocks, called ischial callosities.
- Most baboons live in hierarchical troops. Group sizes vary between 5 to 250 animals.
- A female initiates mating by presenting her swollen rump to the male.
- Females typically give birth every other year, usually to a single infant, after a six month gestation.
- The young baboon weighs approximately one kilogram and has a black epidermis when born.
- They reach sexual maturity in five to eight years.
- A group of baboons is known as a troop and they are named appropriately since they attack in a troop.
- The average life for one in the wild is 30 years.
- They are the largest of the monkey family with the males reaching over 80 pounds and 40 inches long which does not include the tail which can come in various lengths.
- Baboons are opportunistic omnivorus & selective feeders that carefully choose their food. Grass makes up a large part of their diet, along with berries, seeds, pods, blossoms, leaves, roots, bark & sap from a variety of plants.
