Baboons belong to the genus Papio and are member of the
Primate order. Native to Africa and Asia,
baboons are considered "old world monkeys." Baboons can range in size from as
small as 20 inches and 30 pounds to as large as 47 inches and 90 pounds. As a
group, baboons are referred as a troop or a congress.
Distinctive features of the baboon include thick outer fur,
long canine like muzzles, small tails and powerful jaws. The protruding furless
rear ends of baboons are coarse and thick without nerves and provide comfort
for sitting. Baboons are ground dwelling monkeys. Male baboons have white
manes.
Baboons are omnivores that like to live in groups in open
savannahs and grasslands and eat a vegetarian diet but sometimes indulge in
small mammals, fish and birds. The average life expectancy of a wild baboon is
30 years and a captive baboon is 45 years.
Baboons have a few predators such as humans and large cats but the male
is a strong willed animal and can protect the group from many dangers.
Living in a strict hierarchal group, baboons have very
established ways of living and social interaction. Females initiate mating and
give birth to a single offspring annually. Male baboons are free to mate with
as many females as they choose as long as they are at the top of the group's
social rank.