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Animal baboon. Baboon. Amorous affairs: love and reproduction of baboons

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

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 - the following material will tell you about this.

General signs and appearance

The generalized name includes several subspecies of monkeys that have a number of similar external and behavioral characteristics. Knowing these characteristics of animals of this genus, it is impossible to confuse them with anyone else.

The dog-headed monkey, or baboon, is a narrow-nosed primates. They are very smart, live in large groups, strictly observing the foundations and traditions of the pack. The baboon is distinguished by the following external characteristics:

Quite large size - on average 70-100 centimeters in height and 25-45 kg in weight. Males are usually larger than females.
The head appears large in relation to the body. The muzzle is elongated and narrow, and there are so-called cheek pouches on it. It is to this head structure that baboons owe their second name - dog-headed monkey (photos of the animals are presented in the article).
Long and thin tail, reaching an average of 50-70 centimeters.
The coat is thick, not too long. There is much more of it on the head than on the body and limbs.
Under the tail of baboons there is a “sciatic callus” - two hairless pink hemispheres. In females ready to mate, this part of the body turns bright red.

Baboons move mainly on four limbs, can climb trees very well, run and jump quickly.

Where can you meet a baboon?

There are not many places where the dog-headed monkey lives in the wild. The description of their way of life confirms that these primates need a large area for the entire large flock to live comfortably.

The most comfortable natural environment For baboons, steppe terrain is most common and flocks of these animals are most often found in the southern part of the mainland and on the Arabian Peninsula.

Dog-headed monkeys are usually not afraid of people and can settle not far from civilization, engaging in minor sabotage: they can steal food and even small domestic animals.

During tourists’ visits to safari parks, where baboons live in free conditions, the primates do not run away from people, but, on the contrary, expect handouts and goodies from them.

Herbivorous hunter: what do monkeys eat?

The diet of an animal such as the dog-headed monkey is very extensive. These animals can eat plant foods and products of animal origin.

Most often, the baboons' menu consists of fruits. fruit trees, berries, root vegetables, small bugs and reptiles. But, despite the rich plant diet, the baboon is capable of hunting and not always the smallest prey.

Thanks to physiological characteristics The dog-headed monkey is capable of developing serious speed, which allows it to easily catch up with the victim. And thirty-two sharp teeth, from which quite clearly stand out powerful fangs, leave no chance not only for medium-sized animals, like a dog, but also for large African inhabitants. A male baboon is able to catch and tear apart a gazelle, which indicates the exceptional speed and strength of these animals.

Laws of the pack: the social structure of baboons

They live in large flocks, strictly adhering to the intra-generic hierarchy. At the head of the pack is the strongest male. Everyone obeys his “instructions” unquestioningly.

IN daytime for days the baboons are on the ground, having chosen a vast territory and minding their own business. At the same time, the placement of primates is always the same: strong males are located at the edges, females and cubs are closer to the center. Thanks to this “formation”, the flock will always be able to be protected by its strongest representatives, and it doesn’t matter from which side the enemy crept up.

The dog-headed monkey has sharpest vision and sees danger from afar. At the same time, the leader emits a characteristic sound signal. This signal can also be used by other animals - this kind of warning is difficult not to hear.

When alarmed, baboons climb trees and wait out danger.

Amorous affairs: love and reproduction of baboons

An adult female baboon is ready to mate every month. Male and female form a temporary pair mating season. It is worth noting that at this time the “gentleman” is courting only one “lady”.

Pregnancy in a female dog-headed monkey lasts on average six months and ends with the birth of one baby, in very rare cases - twins.

Monkeys treat newborns very carefully and carefully: at first, the babies are at the mother’s breast, tenaciously grasping her fur; a little later - on her back. Grown-up baboons increasingly leave their mother and play with other cubs, but at the same time parental control does not weaken - dog-headed monkeys do not leave children unattended and do not allow them to play too wildly.

Beware, danger!

Baboons are not afraid of almost any animals. Even if they meet elephants or rhinoceroses on their way, the monkeys are reluctant to give way to them - they sense perfectly well that large animals do not threaten them in any way.

The only exceptions are leopards and lions. Due to their incredible speed and strength, these predators can successfully hunt baboons. But poaching of these rare animals leads to a sharp decline in their population, and the natural regulation of the reproduction of dog-headed monkeys comes to naught. In places where leopards and lions are captured, there has been a significant increase in the number of primates.

African residents have a negative attitude towards these animals. Monkeys are very smart, but also strong and impudent. They calmly approach human settlements in order to profit from food or domestic animals. The presence of a person does not frighten them, with the exception of strong man with weapon. Not only will the baboon not be afraid of a woman and child, but it can also attack. Unfortunately, in African villages there are frequent cases of dog-headed monkeys tearing or biting children and women to death.

It is extremely interesting to watch monkeys: their habits combine features of the animal world and human character at the same time. But no matter how cute and smart baboons are, we should not forget that they are, first of all, animals that can show aggression and strength at the most unexpected moment.

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. large species, a 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 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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Synonyms:

See what "Baboon" is in other dictionaries:

- (German). 1) short-tailed breed African monkeys with a head like a dog. 2) guard (for sailors). Dictionary 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. A narrow-nosed monkey with an elongated snout and brightly colored 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 (

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.

Native to Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, these intelligent animals live in large 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 usually 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 are able to catch even 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 tallest 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 be formed based on different social relations and certain personal characteristics.

Habitat

A herd of baboons often lives on quite large territory(5-15 km), which can be shared with other related groups. Flocks are occasionally found - usually only near a non-drying source of water at the end of the dry season. Various groups, although they show mutual interest, as a rule, do not mix and do not show 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 permanent protection 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 cubs 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 peers.

The cubs' games prepare them for adult life. Young baboons often climb trees and chase each other, grabbing each other and rolling on the ground. Adults keep a close eye on them, not allowing the fun to get too far. aggressive character. 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, causing serious injuries to people. 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.

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, sexual maturity 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 support long term relationship with 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 included 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. In some areas they are threatened by habitat destruction, but overall they are not considered threatened by the IUCN.