Baboons are the most proud of primates. The Chacma or bear baboon is one of the most dangerous primates. Laws of the pack: the social structure of baboons

In the dead of night, we left the cozy tent in an African village and headed towards the rocky hills lost in the plain. At dawn it is fresh in the African savannah. We all leaned out of the open sunroof of the car to admire the dawn. The wind blew across our faces, burned by the merciless rays of the sun and bitten by midges. Thomson's gazelles overtook us and crossed the road in front of the car, as if inviting us to play catch-up. A family of lions, heavy with satiety, with their muzzles still stained with blood, solemnly walked towards the river. The disk of the sun separated from the horizon. Long-legged black and white birds with a crest on their heads flew screaming over our heads, clearly alarmed and dissatisfied with the invasion of strangers into their domain.

The hills, overgrown with acacias and thorny bushes, stood out against the fiery sky, like a huge desert armadillo, the centuries-old guardian of these places. But as we approached, I became convinced that the hills were not at all as dead as they seemed from a distance. Alive soul this granite citadel is a noisy but well-organized tribe of the smartest, strongest and most independent monkeys African savannah- baboons.

A large family of dog-headed monkeys, consisting of about a hundred animals, spent the night on steep rock ledges and on the branches of acacia trees so as not to become prey to their mortal enemy, the leopard. They wake up with the first rays of the sun, stretch, yawn and generally behave in exactly the same way as people do when waking up. Then they bask in the sun and look for fleas from each other with visible pleasure.

From a shelter between two rocks, we calmly watched the life of the tribe through binoculars. Our attention was attracted by several strong, large monkeys, to whom a thick collar of coarse hair, covering their backs and shoulders and growing luxuriantly on their cheeks, gave them a particularly impressive appearance. They walked importantly among their less representative fellow tribesmen, who respectfully made way for them. Two giants lounged lazily in the sun, from time to time looking condescendingly at the females who were diligently looking for fleas from them. These are privileged male leaders.

Many other males were no less respectable, but they, apparently, stood at lower levels of society and represented the “middle class”. Every now and then they climbed to the very top of the monkey citadel and watched the horizon, apparently performing the functions of lookouts.

Females were significantly smaller than males and did not have fur collars. They were located in the center of the hill, close to the leader males. Some females were breastfeeding their cubs, others were chatting like gossips at a market, each with affection watching her frolicking offspring.

Suddenly, as if on cue, the male leaders got up and set off. The mothers hastily grabbed the babies, and they, clinging to the fur, climbed onto the females’ backs and settled comfortably there. The watchmen abandoned their towers and quickly positioned themselves in the vanguard and on the flanks. Several males lingered and covered the rearguard in two rows. Then a troop of monkeys with amazing agility descended the granite scree and emerged into the open savannah. They moved without breaking formation, putting into their mouths everything edible that they encountered along the way: grass, leaves, insects, snails, bulbs, roots. A prosperous tribe of baboons began their new day in the savannah, where they are constantly threatened by lions, leopards or barter dogs, and in open areas where there are no trees, the monkeys' proverbial agility cannot help them.

How do many monkeys manage to live out their lives safely among fierce, strong and greedy predators?

Observing the baboons for twelve hours, until sunset, when the flock returned to their fortress, we were enriched with information that makes more understandable the notes of Irvine de Vore, who devoted many years to the study of these monkeys. We realized that it was the environment of predatory animals that instilled in the baboons courage, perseverance and intelligence; gave rise to the hierarchical structure of monkey society, where males fulfill the mission of protectors, guarding babies and sick animals. This attracts the attention of baboons to anthropologists who, by studying the behavior of monkeys, try to figure out the lifestyle of the first apes.

But let's take a break from the baboons and remember in general outline characteristic features of a group of animals, which, of course, should interest us, since we ourselves belong to it. I mean primates and higher mammals.

When it comes to monkeys, an inexperienced person imagines a tropical forest, giant trees, entwined with vines and creeping plants, where these dexterous creatures perform the most complex acrobatic stunts to get tasty fruits from a tree branch or to escape from your enemies. Indeed, with the exception of a few genera of monkeys - baboons, macaques and others that live on the ground, most primates live in trees.

This is what determined their specific characteristics, physical and mental. Four long, mobile, free fingers and a fifth, large, set-aside, form a tenacious hand, very convenient for climbing trees. The pads on the palms, thin tactile centers concentrated in the fingertips, and flat nails make them unsurpassed climbers.

In primitive mammals, the eyes are located on the sides of the skull. This arrangement of visual centers allows you to view the space from both sides without turning your head, which is very convenient for observing enemies, but eliminates stereoscopic vision. It is possible to distinguish all the features of the relief, the shape of objects, and calculate distances only if the eyes are in the same plane: this is how the visual apparatus of primates is structured.

Tree monkeys, who had to calculate their jump so as not to fall from a great height, needed such vision.

The sense of smell is the most valuable and necessary sense for animals living on earth, especially for nocturnal ones, in which vision plays a secondary role. For monkeys living in trees, where smells coming from the ground are lost and mixed with other aromas, the sense of smell loses its importance. This is obviously why the monkeys' olfactory abilities are gradually weakening. For animals that spend most of their lives in trees, vocal cords are very important; they communicate with each other through sounds in dense foliage. Therefore, monkeys have the finest hearing and are “talkative.”

Today, at the end of sixty million years of evolution, all representatives of the order of primates, from the mysterious aye-aye, who beats shots on trees with long, drumstick-like fingers, to man, the conqueror of space, are characterized by dexterity and mobility of hands, a tendency to vertical body position, subtlety of hearing and touch, sharp and stereoscopic vision, a large, well-developed brain.

The class of primates includes primitive prosimians, American monkeys and Old World monkeys. The branch of anthropoids separates from the latter. Each group has its own characteristics. Prosimians, or lemurs, currently concentrated on the island of Madagascar, are, as it were, living evidence of past stages of development. They have many features typical of ancient varieties of these animals.

American monkeys have a long, strong, prehensile tail, a real fifth limb, free of hair at the end and equipped with sensitive epithelial cells, which allows, for example, spider monkey easily collect groundnuts with its tail and calmly hang on it on a tree branch.

In Old World monkeys, red calluses on the seat are striking. These pads of hardened, insensitive skin adhere directly to the bones and allow the animal to spend nights sitting on a sharp rock or tree branch without feeling pain. In addition, the pads protect against circulatory problems.

Apes are distinguished by extraordinary mobility of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. This allows them, hanging on one branch, to freely throw their body to another. This method of movement contributed to an increase in the growth of anthropoids, which reached the size of a gorilla or orangutan, moving only on the ground. The most high speed movement through trees in chimpanzees and gibbons, one of which lives in Africa, the other in Asia.

Meanwhile, a herd of our baboons reached the bank of a small river, intending to drink. Before approaching the water, they rose on their hind limbs, carefully examined the surroundings and, apparently, strained their ears. The baboon's lack of sense of smell is compensated by its extraordinary intelligence. Often in such situations, baboons wait patiently for zebras, known for their keen sense of smell, to come to the watering hole. If there are lions nearby, then the zebras, having described several circles around the pond, leave without quenching their thirst.

Mutation, natural selection, biological environment, and feeding habits made baboons completely different from their blood brothers - thin-bodied animals, or colobus monkeys, who never leave the treetops. Monkeys living in forests escape from their enemies by climbing to the very top of trees and deftly jumping from tree to tree. From this lifestyle, their limbs became longer, their bodies became lean and light. The same monkeys, who spend a significant part of their lives on earth, have to defend themselves from their enemies. Hence the powerful muscles of baboons. They have a wide, stocky body and very strong shoulders. Special structure jaws gives the baboon's head a resemblance to a dog's. Thanks to the large, menacing fangs of the males, the organization and aggressiveness of the pack, this species of monkey tribe feels quite confident on earth. The baboon's teeth are longer than those of a leopard or hyena dog.

When a herd of baboons is on the move, females and cubs take a place in the middle of the troop. They are guarded by male leaders. In the vanguard and rearguard are sentinel males, younger and more agile than the leaders, but less strong and hardy.

Young males cope with a harmless opponent, such as a jackal or a hyena. All they have to do is ruffle their fur and show their fangs for the predator to get out of the way. But as soon as the leopard appears, the young males walking in front begin to emit furious cries, something like a short, piercing bark, which acts on the leader males like a calling cry. Without delay or hesitation, the leader baboons rush at the enemy. If a predator has captured prey - a baby or a female, but does not have time to hide with it among the tree branches, large males rush at it and instantly tear it to pieces, although this often costs the lives of two or three monkeys. Females with their offspring retreat to a safe place during the battle, guarded by several males.

Baboons do not dare to engage in battle with only two enemies - a lion and a man. With the first - because he does not hunt alone, and with the second - because of his firearms. But when lions or humans are pursuing a flock, the leader baboons always cover the retreat of the females and worry about their salvation only when the females and cubs are safe.

Forest monkeys, including gorillas and orangutans, have a peaceful and even timid character. But baboons and macaques have a terrestrial lifestyle, full of dangers, developed courage and belligerence. But these qualities would lose their value if they were not combined with the iron discipline and clear hierarchical structure of ape society. Otherwise, fights over females and territory would lead the baboons to self-destruction.

The organization of the life of the flock indicates a high degree of development of baboons. They obey not one leader, but an aristocratic elite, into which any male with the appropriate physical and mental characteristics can join.

Among females, the hierarchy is not so strict. Motherhood ensures their transition into the privileged class. When a young female, standing at any level of the social ladder, approaches puberty, she, with the full goodwill of the old aristocratic males, can play love games with young males of lower rank. But during the period most favorable for conception, the leader male connects with her and protects her until the birth of the cub. Thus, more highly organized and stronger males impregnate the healthiest females and thereby contribute to natural selection.

From the moment the cub is born until it becomes independent (this period usually lasts two years), the mother occupies a privileged position in the pack under the protection of male leaders and is surrounded by the care of other females. The cubs in the pack are treated with extraordinary tenderness and care. Young females play with the babies at every opportunity, male leaders, forgetting about their importance, tumble with them in the sand, and show no less caution and affection than their own mother. Newborn monkeys are completely helpless creatures, and the entire flock spares no effort to take part in their upbringing. It's no secret that we humans do exactly the same thing.

It is much more difficult for a male to get into the privileged elite. To do this, he needs years of struggle. Battles for power between males are not cruel or bloody. Usually such fights are limited to a tournament of threats. Opponents exchange angry glances, bare their fangs threateningly, ruffle their fur, and strike the ground with their Limbs. Threats are accompanied by high-pitched screams, sniffles and growls. If all these actions do not achieve their goal and battle turns out to be inevitable, then the vanquished always has a sure way to calm the winner and save his life. It is enough for him to turn his back to the enemy, as females do during estrus. Then the winner simulates copulation, and then proudly returns to the center of the group of fans. In the following days, the male, who has won, repeatedly approaches the former contender for power and looks at him threateningly. The defeated man humbly offers his ass to the formidable rival, and he calms down.

The male leaders treat each other with respect and jointly carry out reprisals against young rebels. The leaders are responsible for maintaining order in the pack. If a juvenile treats a female or a cub roughly, retribution from the male keeping order is not long in coming: he immediately rushes to the offender and bites him in the neck.

Members of the elite are highly respected within the pack. The young male rarely dares to enter the sacred territory occupied by the leading males, and obligingly gives way to the leader when he heads in his direction. Approaching an old male at a distance of three meters is already considered an unforgivable liberty. From the vicious circle of their proud loneliness, male aristocrats look arrogantly at their subordinates, and woe to those who dare not lower their gaze in front of them. The male leader enjoys unlimited privileges, occupies the most comfortable place in the pack, eats what he wants and where he wants, chooses any female and demands complete submission from his fellow tribesmen. But when a strong enemy threatens - a lion or leopard, the leader enters into mortal combat with him, while the rest of the pack watches the battle sitting in the trees.

A group of baboons, which we followed at some distance, spent the morning searching for food. From them keen eyes Not a lizard, not a grasshopper, not the smallest rodent, not a bird's eggs escaped. On occasion, they kill hares and baby gazelles and feast on their meat.

At noon, the flock settled down near the rocks in the shade of acacias. This is an hour of afternoon rest. The leaders and female mothers slept, having taken possession of the most convenient places, the younger generation frolicked, and the sentinel males stood guard. Finally, sleep overcame everyone.

We ourselves could hardly resist it, sitting on the roof of the all-terrain vehicle and sweltering from the heat. “Scavengers” hung motionless in the sky, and flies buzzed annoyingly. During these hours, life in the savannah comes to a standstill; animals seek refuge from the scorching rays of the sun under the shade of bushes and rocks, in deep caves. Only the fat, marmot-like hyraxes move among the rocks, never stopping for a minute to fill their stomachs with leaves and nutritious roots. We thought about the relationship that connects these small strange animals with giant elephants. I tried to see through binoculars their flat, proboscis-like claws, which gave zoological scientists a reason to draw a parallel between hyraxes and elephants.

Hyraxes move among the rocks with amazing dexterity, unexpected for their heavy build. Special pads on their paws, like spongy rubber, stick to the rocks. They can go without water for weeks: their kidneys have the ability to produce viscous, thick urine and therefore excrete very little fluid from the body. Perhaps it is this ability that allows them to neglect the midday rest and calmly walk on the hot granite in the thick of it.

I was distracted from my thoughts by the panicked flight of the hyraxes into their holes. Huddled in the crevices of the rocks, they whistled shrilly. The baboons started screaming. A strange, ever-increasing buzzing made us turn our heads. We saw a buffoon eagle emerging from a dive, rising, touching the granite rocks with its wide wings. He never managed to grab his prey: the hyrax slipped into the crevice. Buffoon eagles have a distinctive silhouette. The short tail allows them to see their legs stretched back with curved claws when flying. When choosing a victim, the buffoon hovers at such a height that it is not visible from the ground. It attacks from the direction of the sun and rushes towards its prey with its wings pressed to its body. The attack of the buffoon eagle is always unexpected, since it is completely impossible to notice it in the dazzling rays of the sun, especially since the lower part of the bird’s body is covered with white feathers, with the exception of dark stripe edging the wings. With this coloring, its silhouette completely dissolves in the stream of light.

However, hyraxes, which suffer more than other animals from the aggressiveness of the buffoon eagle, are armed with some means of defense against their enemy. According to zoologist Leslie Brown, the hyrax is the only animal that can calmly look at the sun. It was this property that served as the source of the legend about the blindness of hyraxes.

Meanwhile, evening twilight had come, and the baboons began to prepare for the return journey. At this time, the flock eats for the second time. Following the monkey tribe, we traveled about ten kilometers, without leaving the small territory of twenty-five square kilometers, which the baboons had chosen for their residence.

The attachment of these creatures to their native places is worthy of surprise. Day after day they set off on the road at dawn, without changing their usual route and stopping at the same places to quench their thirst and hunger. They meet with neighboring flocks only at the borders of their territory and in no-man's lands, where different flocks gather to drink and rest. Oddly enough, monkeys, warlike and restless creatures, pretend not to notice representatives of other packs. The leaders behave as if foreign rivals do not exist. Attempts by researchers to force the baboons to move beyond their territory were unsuccessful. When approaching the fatal line, the animal showed anxiety, and then turned back, and no bait could force it to violate the border.

Thanks to such strict observance of sovereignty between the apes, despite their aggressive character, there are no collisions. Unfortunately, man did not inherit the enviable ability to maintain peace from the monkey.

The rocky citadel of the baboons was golden in the last rays of the sun. The sentinel males arrived first and began examining the bushes and crevices where the leopard could be hiding. The rest of the flock gathered on the inner platform. The kids frolicked and squealed happily, and the male leaders looked up warily, as if waiting for a signal. When the sentinel males returned from reconnaissance, the flock began to move and began to climb the upper tiers of the citadel. As night fell, each member of the flock chose a tree branch or a rock ledge, out of reach of the leopard, where they could safely spend the night.

The night inspires inexplicable fear in all primates. Who among us has not dreamed that he is falling into a terrible, dark abyss? More than one human ancestor lost his life by falling from a tree or rock ledge in his sleep. Perhaps this is where our instinctive fear of the emptiness that opens before us in a dream comes from.

Twilight gave way to darkness, silence descended on the rock. At this hour, a leopard, silent as a shadow, makes its night rounds. He carefully and carefully examines every rock, every tree, every bush, and woe to that baboon who neglected precautions and did not take care of a reliable shelter for the night. According to statistics, the leopard's main prey during night hunting is baboons. In those areas of Africa where hunting for leopards is not limited, baboons have multiplied so much that they have become a real disaster for plantations. African leopard- the best regulator of the number of baboons.

After the baboons, the object of our observations were green monkeys, among which we spent the whole day in Tsavo. We not only photographed them up close and stroked their green fur, but also shared sandwiches with them, rested together in the afternoon under the shade of acacia trees, rode in the same car and admired with emotion the children’s cheerful games. Among African animals there is no creature more sweet, willful and cheerful than a baby monkey frolicking in freedom.

In Asia and Africa, there are three multi-species groups of monkeys - colobus monkeys, long-tailed monkeys and dog-headed monkeys - which unite sixteen genera, including more than two hundred species ( In the family of apes, which includes all the animals listed by the author, there are 15 genera, which include 58 species of colobus monkeys, true marmosets, macaques, baboons and other monkeys). African long-tailed monkeys are the easiest species to observe due to their trusting, cheerful disposition. Some groups of vervet monkeys, which belong to the genus Vervet monkeys, have become completely comfortable with the presence of photographers and naturalists among them. One such group lives in the Tsavo River valley - one of the most beautiful places reserve. For four days they were our inseparable companions, and we did most interesting observations over the females and cubs that were born shortly before our arrival.

In all primates, including humans, twins, triplets, etc. are born very rarely. Monkeys usually give birth to one baby. This is a consequence of life in trees. As soon as he sees the light, the baby, clinging closely to his mother, begins to travel with her from branch to branch. The mother vigilantly watches the cub, vigilantly making sure that he does not break loose. The presence of two or three cubs would inevitably weaken her attention.

A newborn monkey has very strong and tenacious limbs, with which it firmly holds onto the fur on its mother’s sides and belly. The cub hangs on the chest of the mother, who freely jumps with this light load through the trees. The baby can suck milk from the mother’s breast at any time, clasping her sides with his paws. Females treat their offspring with extraordinary tenderness. No amount of treats could make them let go of the babies. Green monkeys, like baboons, show amazing care for their young.

A newborn baboon has a pink muzzle, not overgrown with hair, and its body is covered with black hair. At four months, the little baboon's face begins to darken, and the fur on its body becomes brown. During this period, mothers are no longer so attentive to their babies, but males, young and old, double their attention to them and take part in their fun with pleasure. At ten months, the baboon acquires the usual coloration for adult monkeys and spends time not next to its mother, but in the company of its peers, imitating adult monkeys in everything in their games.

The baboon goes through three phases of development. The first is complete dependence on the mother, the second is children's games, the third is training. To prove how important the role of the first two phases is, a professor from Wisconsin, Harry Harlow, conducted several experiments that are now widely known among primatologists.

Harlow placed several baby rhesus monkeys with "artificial mothers" - dolls with nipples. Half of the mannequins had their torsos covered with fabric similar to macaque fur. For the rest, the metal structure was not covered with anything. All the babies chose dolls with fur, although not all of the “dressed mothers” had nipples connected to milk reservoirs. For the cubs, contact with the mother was more important than milk. Professor Harlow proved in a number of experiments that, away from “artificial mothers,” small macaques are afraid of a teddy bear beating a drum. However, if the mother doll is nearby and the baby can touch it in a moment of danger, he quickly calms down and begins to play with the toy that just inspired fear in him.

Harlow kept another batch of macaques in individual cages, isolated from each other. After some time, they were allowed into cages with other monkeys. The little hermits did not participate in general games, were afraid of their own kind, and upon reaching puberty, they turned out to be incapable of copulation. In the third group, some of the baby macaques, deprived of the opportunity to play with their peers, lived in cages with “artificial mothers”, some could observe what was happening in the common cage, and some were completely isolated. As a result, everyone ended up with defects, especially in the last group, where there were more high percent nervous and mental disorders. But the monkeys, who were united with their comrades for twenty minutes a day, adapted perfectly among normal macaques.

Professor Harlow's experiments proved that the games of monkeys in freedom are not just a tribute to frisky age, but exercises that prepare the animal physically and mentally for life among its own kind. Psychologists who observed people in similar situations came to similar conclusions. Children's games, the emergence of family ties, family and friendships can be attributed to the initial stage of the evolution of human thought.

Niramin - Feb 12th, 2016

In the family of monkeys, the order of primates stands out absolutely amazing view- bear baboon (lat. Papio ursinus), or, in other words, chacma. This mammal has gained fame as the most dangerous of the baboons. Its impressive size (height up to 115 centimeters, weight up to 30 kilograms!), strong body covered with thick hair, large fangs, a huge dog-like head with a dog-like elongated muzzle and eyes recessed into the skull frighten even such formidable predators like leopards.

Chakmas are animals that live in large groups. They prefer to stay in wooded areas: natural caution forces baboons to stay away from open areas. Although few predators would dare to attack a group of these omnivores, which usually numbers up to fifty animals. Two or three individuals always act as sentinels: as soon as any danger arises, the watch makes noise, warning their relatives with warning cries about the threat. While defending themselves, a flock of baboons can attack both wild predators and hunting dogs.

To protect themselves as much as possible, bear baboons spend the night on branches tall trees or deep in the rocks. Communication between individuals is a complex system gestures, sounds, poses, grimaces.

What do chacmas eat? To briefly describe their diet, they are omnivores. Fruits, greens, and insects coexist in their menu with shellfish, fish, and antelopes. To satisfy their hunger, bear baboons can even raid a flock of sheep to feast on the young meat of newborn lambs.

During the breeding season, chacma males may engage in sparring matches for a mate. The advantage of choosing the most attractive female always with the leader. If attachment arises between individuals, then the matter is not limited to mating: the male takes care of his chosen one before giving birth, and six months later, when the baby is born, he often takes an active part in his upbringing. The mother will breastfeed the baby for almost a year breast milk. At the age of about five years, on the eve of puberty, male children leave the pack, while young females, on the contrary, stay close to their mother all their lives, which is about 30 years. There are known cases of longevity of chacmas: in captivity they can live 45 years.

Habitat bear baboons very wide: this South part Africa - from Angola and Mozambique to Zambia and South Africa.

Look beautiful photos bear baboons:

Photo: Chacma with a calf.

Video: Baboons Fighting. Kruger, South Africa.

Video: Monkey Playing In The Mud

Video: Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus)

Video: Chacma Country Part 1

Video: Chacma Country Part 2

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. 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 in daytime and are found both in semi-deserts, savannas and steppes, as well as in forested areas and even in 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 that damaged cars, attacked tourists and local residents and food theft. 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, dril, 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. Leading 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. Ephron

Books

• Song for Lukuli, Kalanga Abdallah. We present to your attention the publication of Kalanga Abdullah "Song for Lukuli". “Singer! You found the villages devastated. I heard you at night screaming in a voice choked with horror and hatred, cursing...

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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- (German). 1) short-tailed breed African monkeys with a head like a dog. 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) ... Synonym dictionary

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. Narrow-nosed monkey with an elongated muzzle and brightly colored ischial 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 Dictionary Russian language Efremova

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

Residents of Africa are sure that the baboon is more dangerous than the leopard. The opinion was drawn from close encounters with these evil, nosy, pugnacious and cunning monkeys, who constantly appear in crime reports.

Description of the baboon

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..

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. A female baboon cannot be confused 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.

Important! There is no fur on the buttocks, but this part of the body is equipped with pronounced ischial calluses. With the onset of the breeding season, the buttocks of females swell and become red.

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. Most For days, baboons roam 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 ensure that the females do not break away from the herd.

This is interesting! Growing young animals from time to time try to overthrow the dominant male, running into fights. The struggle for power knows no compromises: the loser obeys the leader and shares with him the most delicious prey.

The battle for leadership is rarely fought alone. To cope with a super-aggressive and strong dominant male, subdominant ones create temporary fighting alliances. This makes sense - males classified as low-ranking get sick more often and die earlier. In general, baboons have a good ability to adapt to the world and remarkable endurance, which allows them to live for quite a long time. IN wildlife these monkeys live up to 30 years, in zoos - up to about 45.

Range, habitats

The homeland of the baboon is almost the entire endless African continent, divided into areas 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 of the Arabian Peninsula (Aden region).

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.

This is interesting! The predatory tendencies of baboons were noted back in the middle of the last century, when they stole food from the inhabitants of the Cape Peninsula (South Africa), ravaged plantations and exterminated livestock.

According to Justin O'Ryan, a worker in the baboon research section, his charges learned to break windows, open doors and even dismantle tile roofs. But contact between monkeys and humans is dangerous for both sides - baboons bite and scratch, and people kill them. To keep the primates in their traditional habitats, rangers control the movements of the herd by marking the animals with paint from paintball rifles.

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 southern regions In Africa, these monkeys increasingly hunt livestock (sheep and goats).

This is interesting! The appetite of primates is growing every year: observation of 16 groups of bear baboons showed that only one group is content with pasture, and the rest have long since retrained as raiders.

The merciless African sun, which dries up small rivers, forces us to find alternative sources of water. Monkeys have trained themselves to get moisture by digging up the bottom of dry reservoirs..

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.

In the open space above the herd there is a constant threat of attack from such natural enemies as:

• leopard;
• spotted hyena;
• jackal and red wolf;
• hyena dogs;
• Nile crocodile;
• (rarely).

Young males walking along the edges of the herd continuously monitor the area and, seeing the enemy, line up in a crescent to cut him off from their relatives. A signal of danger is an alarming bark, upon hearing which, females with their cubs huddle together, and the males step forward.

They look quite terrifying - their evil grin and raised fur clearly hint at their readiness for a merciless battle. The predator, who did not heed the threat, quickly feels on his own skin how harmoniously the baboon army acts, and usually retreats ingloriously.

Reproduction and offspring

Not every male gets access to the female’s body at the beginning of the mating season: the lower the status and age of the applicant, the lower his chances of reciprocity. Unlimited sexual intercourse can only be had by a dominant male, who has the preferential right to mate with any partner in the herd.

Polygamy

In this regard, the results of observations that were carried out in open-air conditions are very interesting. Biologists found out how the age of a male correlates with polygamy, or more precisely, with the likelihood of acquiring his own harem. It was found that all 4-6 year old baboons who entered childbearing age were still single. Only a single seven-year-old male had a harem consisting of one wife.

This is interesting! Enclosure baboons who reached the age of 9 years received the privilege of polygamy, and over the next 3–4 years the right to an individual harem continued to strengthen.

In the category of 9–11 year old baboons, already half became polygamists, and the heyday of polygamy occurred at the age of 12–14 years. Thus, among 12-year-old monkeys, 80% of individuals used personal harems. And finally, the most extensive harems (compared to younger age categories) had baboons who crossed the threshold of 13 and 14 years. But the harems of 15-year-old males began to gradually crumble.

Birth of offspring

Baboons often fight for females, and in some species they do not leave her even after successful sexual intercourse - they obtain food, deliver births and help care for newborns. Pregnancy lasts from 154 to 183 days and ends with the birth of a single calf weighing approximately 0.4 kg. The baby, with a pink muzzle and black fur, clings to its mother's belly in order to travel with its mother, at the same time feeding on her milk. Having grown stronger, the child moves onto his back, stopping feeding with milk by the age of 6 months.

When a baboon is 4 months old, its face darkens and its fur becomes somewhat lighter, acquiring gray or brown tones. The final species coloration usually appears by the age of one year. Weaned primates form a kin group, reaching fertility no earlier than 3–5 years. Young females always remain with their mother, and males tend to leave the herd without waiting for puberty.