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

Niramin - Feb 12th, 2016

An absolutely amazing species stands out in the monkey family of the primate order - the bear baboon (lat. Papio ursinus), or, in other words, chakma. This mammal has earned itself the reputation of 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 deep in the skull frighten even such formidable predators as leopards.

Chakmas are animals that live in large groups. They prefer to stay in wooded areas: natural caution makes baboons stay away from open areas. Although the group of these omnivores, which usually numbers up to fifty animals, few of the predators dare to attack. Two or three individuals always act as sentries: as soon as some kind of danger arises, the patrol raises a fuss, warning relatives with warning cries about the threat. 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 the branches of tall trees or in the depths of rocks. Communication between individuals is a complex system of gestures, sounds, postures, grimaces.

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

During the breeding season, male chakmas may spar for a mate. The leader always has the advantage in choosing the most attractive female. If affection arises between individuals, then mating is not limited to: the male takes care of his chosen one until birth, and after six months, when the baby is born, he often takes an active part in his upbringing. For almost a year, the mother will breastfeed the baby. At the age of about five years, on the eve of their puberty, male children leave the flock, while young females, on the contrary, stay close to their mother all their lives, which is about 30 years. Cases of longevity of chakmas are known: in captivity they are able to live 45 years.

The habitat of bear baboons is very wide: it is the southern part of Africa - from Angola and Mozambique to Zambia and South Africa.

See beautiful photos of bear baboons:

Photo: Chakma with a cub.

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

Monkeys are always interesting to watch - they are so spontaneous, cute and smart that they can't leave anyone indifferent! What is a dog-headed monkey, what are its features and unusual habits - the following material will tell about this.

General signs and appearance

The generalized name includes several subspecies of monkeys at once, which have a number of similar external and behavioral features. Knowing such features of animals of this genus, they cannot be confused with anyone else.

The dog-headed monkey, or baboon, is a narrow-nosed primate. 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 a large size - an average of 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 on it there are so-called cheek pouches. It is to this structure of the head that baboons owe their second name - the dog-headed monkey (photos of animals are presented in the article).
Long and thin tail, reaching an average of 50-70 centimeters.
The coat is thick, not too long. It is much more on the head than on the trunk and limbs.
Under the tail of the baboons is the "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 perfectly, run and jump quickly.

Where can you meet a baboon?

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

The most comfortable natural environment for baboons is the steppe area and most often flocks of these animals are 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 petty wrecking: they can steal food and even small domestic animals.

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

Herbivore hunter: what do monkeys eat?

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

Most often, the menu of baboons consists of the fruits of fruit trees, berries, root crops, small beetles and reptiles. But, despite the rich plant diet, the baboon is able to hunt not always the smallest prey.

Due to physiological characteristics, the dog-headed monkey is able to develop serious speed, which allows it to easily catch up with the victim. And thirty-two of the sharpest teeth, of which quite powerful fangs stand out clearly, 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 a gazelle, which indicates the exceptional speed and strength of these animals.

The laws of the pack: the social structure of baboons

They live in large flocks, clearly adhering to the intra-clan hierarchy. At the head of the pack is the strongest male. Everyone obeys his "instructions" implicitly.

In the daytime, baboons are on the ground, having chosen a vast territory and doing their own thing. At the same time, the placement of primates is always the same: strong males are located along the edges, females and cubs are closer to the center. Thanks to this “building”, the pack will always be able to protect its strongest representatives, and it doesn’t matter from which side the enemy crept up.

The dog-headed monkey has the sharpest eyesight and sees danger from afar. In this case, the leader emits a characteristic sound signal. Other animals can also use this signal - this kind of warning is hard not to hear.

In case of alarm, baboons climb trees and wait out the danger.

Amorous affairs: love and breeding of baboons

An adult female baboon is ready to mate every month. The male and female form a pair during the mating season. It is worth noting that at this time the "cavalier" courts only one "lady".

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

Monkeys treat newborns very carefully and carefully: at first, the babies are at the mother’s chest, tenaciously grabbing her hair; a little later - on her back. Growing 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 violently.

Beware, danger!

Baboons are not afraid of almost any animal. Even if elephants or rhinos are encountered on their way, the monkeys reluctantly give way to them - they perfectly feel that large animals do not threaten them.

The only exceptions are leopards and lions. These predators, thanks to their incredible speed and strength, can successfully hunt baboons. But the poaching of these rare animals leads to the fact that their population is sharply reduced, and the natural regulation of the reproduction of dog-headed monkeys is coming to naught. There is a significant increase in the number of primates in the places of trapping of leopards and lions.

African residents have a negative attitude towards these animals. Monkeys are very smart, yet strong and cheeky. They calmly approach human settlements in order to profit from food or domestic animals. The presence of a person does not scare them, except for a strong man with a weapon. A baboon is not only not afraid of a woman and a child, but can also attack. Unfortunately, in African villages, it is not uncommon for dog-headed monkeys tore or bite children and women to death.

Watching monkeys is extremely interesting: their habits combine both the features of the animal world and the human character. But no matter how cute and smart baboons are, you 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 almost throughout Africa. They are the only primate genus (other than humans) also found in the northeast of the continent, in Egypt and Sudan. They are absent only in northwestern Africa and Madagascar. Hamadryl is also found in the Arabian Peninsula, although it is possible that this population was introduced by humans.

Appearance

Male and female baboons differ greatly in size and build. Males are almost twice as large as females and have much larger fangs, as well as a lush mane in some species. The tail of baboons is shorter than the body and has a curved shape. The first third is directed upwards, 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. In the largest species, the bear baboon, the weight can reach 30 kg.

Both sexes are characterized by a sharp, dog-like muzzle, closely spaced eyes, powerful jaws, and thick, rough hair. The color of the coat varies depending on the species from silvery to brownish. The muzzle is not covered with hair and is colored black or pink. The rear 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 daytime and are found both in semi-deserts, savannahs and steppes, as well as in forest areas and even in rocky regions. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they are good climbers. For sleep, they choose elevated places on trees or on rocks. On the ground, they move on four legs and a bent tail. In search of food, they cover distances of up to 20 km daily.

Symbolism

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Synonyms:

See what "Baboon" is in other dictionaries:

- (German). 1) a breed of short-tailed African monkeys with a dog-like head. 2) sentry (for sailors). Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. BAVIAN short-tailed monkey with a head resembling ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Chakma, sphinx, hamadryas, drill, mandrill, dog-headed monkey, baboon; ignorant Dictionary of Russian synonyms. baboon n., number of synonyms: 12 baboon (3) ... Synonym dictionary

BABOON, baboon, husband. (Dutch bavian). A monkey from the genus Canis. Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

BAVIAN, a, husband. A narrow-nosed monkey with an elongated snout and brightly colored ischial calluses. | adj. baboon, ya, ye. Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language by Max Fasmer

M. A monkey of the marmoset family with an elongated snout and brightly colored ischial calluses. Explanatory Dictionary of Efremova. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language Efremova

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

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

These intelligent animals, found in Africa and the south of the Arabian Peninsula, live in large family groups with a strict hierarchical system.

Baboons belong to the superfamily of dog-like lower narrow-nosed monkeys, consisting of two families. Monkeys, in addition to the baboon, include the common macaque, the black crested Sulawesian baboon, the mandrill and drill, the gelada, the mapgobey, or black-faced monkey, and the red hussar monkey. The family of thin-bodied monkeys consists of langurs, rhinopithecines, short-tailed, nosed thin-bodied monkeys, pigatrixes, thick-bodied or Gverets. The superfamily of the lower narrow-nosed monkeys, together with the superfamily of anthropoid primates, constitutes one group of narrow-nosed monkeys, or Old World monkeys. Great apes include the gibbon, orangutan, chimpanzee, gorilla, and man. Related species of baboons: chakma. or bear baboon, yellow baboon, or baboon, anubis and sphinx, or guinea baboon. All types have several leads.

Today, baboons are common in Africa and in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, but during the ice age they also lived in India and China. Baboons are inhabitants of the steppes and savannahs of Africa; however, they are also found in savannah forests and mountainous terrain.

The elongated muzzle, large cheek pouches and long nose of baboons gave rise to the nickname "dog-headed monkeys". The strong teeth of these animals allow them to cope with a variety of foods.

Dimensions

The size of baboons varies widely: from the tiny Guinean baboon to the large South African baboon (chakma). Except for 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 muzzle, long nose and large cheek pouches, for which 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, are much larger than females. The hair on other parts of the body is usually less dense. Ischial calluses consist of two smooth, hairless pink pads covered with thickened, keratinized skin. In females ready for mating, ischial calluses often grow and become brightly colored.

Baboons are omnivorous, and their diet contains both vegetable (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 them to cope with a variety of foods.

Baboons lead a terrestrial lifestyle, climbing trees only during sleep or in case of danger. Baboons are well adapted to life on the ground: unlike tree monkeys and other land primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas, their forelimbs and hind limbs are almost the same length. Big toes are well developed on wide massive feet and hands. Most monkeys walk on their hind legs, while baboons often walk on all fours. When walking, they either rest on flat soles or raise their wrists and ankles, which greatly facilitates and speeds up movement. The tails of baboons are not adapted for grasping, therefore, while climbing trees, they do not cling to branches.

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 gladly accept food from the hands of tourists; the most impatient gourmets sometimes steal food.

Night is the hunting time for many large predators, so baboons sleep on the upper branches of the tallest trees. Since they are able to sit and even sleep on very thin branches, a whole group can be located on 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 hamadryas living in mountainous areas, which sleep on ledges of rocks.

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 violation of the natural balance that regulates the number of species in nature.

Baboons are social animals living in packs of 40-60 individuals. Relations between group members are based on a hierarchical system of subordination. The dominant position is occupied by strong adult males (leaders). Uniting, flocks can roam in large groups of 200-300 individuals. Baboons feel safe only inside the pack, so no animal dares to live on its own. Within the community, separate groups can form based on various social relations and certain personal characteristics.

Habitat

A herd of baboons often lives in a fairly large area (5-15 km), which can be shared with other related groups. Flocks are occasionally found - usually only near a dry source of water at the end of the drought season. Different 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 and older females. In the center are females with cubs, as well as most of the leaders. The back rows are lined up like an avant-garde, which allows you to provide constant protection to females and cubs. Wherever the predator approaches, it will be met by an adult male. If the enemy manages to get close enough, males will be between him and the fleeing females with cubs, trying to protect their fellow tribesmen.

Grooming not only keeps the coat clean, but also promotes social communication between members of the baboon flock. Females especially carefully clean the newly-made mother and her cub.

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 leave the road of such large animals as elephants and rhinos, knowing that they are not in danger.

peaceful coexistence

As a rule, baboons get along peacefully with many species and often graze with antelopes, zebras, giraffes and buffaloes, which benefits both parties. So, on the open plain, baboons are often found next to the impala antelope, and bushbuck antelopes keep in the forest. Antelopes' keen sense of smell 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 other animals also perceive.

When threatened, a baboon (like the gelada in this picture) bares its teeth. When the mouth is closed, the upper fangs enter the gaps between the lower teeth.

Similarly, an alarm signal from an antelope causes the baboons to flee. Such interaction is especially useful in the vicinity of a reservoir, where dense vegetation significantly reduces horizons.

At rest or during a meal, a herd of baboons is divided into small groups, usually consisting of two females and cubs of different ages or an adult male with one or more females and cubs, who constantly clean his wool. Small groups can remain even during migrations. Unlike other animals, in which the leader constantly leads and guards 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 steps aside. Leaders usually stick together, so they can always come to the aid of each other if other members of the group try to get 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 cubs) in open mountainous areas.

social grooming

Grooming is a social form of behavior in monkeys, expressed in sorting out and cleaning the coat of another individual. Most often, adult females do this.

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

Grooming not only maintains the integrity of the pack, but also helps to 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, a few flocks of baboons are usually found near wet waters.

The only cub

A female baboon, after a pregnancy lasting an average of 170-195 days, usually produces one cub; twins are extremely rare. An adult female, provided that she is not pregnant and does not feed a cub, is ready to mate during 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, males court only one female. The newborn clings to the wool on the mother's chest, from where, after some time, it moves to the back. At first he clings tightly to the fur, but later sits upright. Having switched to solid food, the cub increasingly begins to leave the mother to play with peers.

Children's play prepares them for adulthood. Young baboons often climb trees and chase each other, grabbing a mate and rolling on the ground. Adults closely monitor them, not allowing the fun to become too aggressive. If any of the cubs scream in pain, the adult baboon will immediately stop such a game.

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 did. Baboon groups are very similar to the communities of primitive people.
Baboons that constantly live next to a person can pose a certain danger. In national parks, animals are used to being fed by tourists. The guards of the national park in Uganda even had to kill one baboon, which began to sneak up on the fishermen and steal food, causing severe injuries to people. There are also cases when baboons pulled a child out of a stroller and killed it, bit two women to death, and also inflicted severe injuries on children.
Hamadryas, considered a separate subgenus by some zoologists, are not like other baboons. They do not form large communities, but live in groups consisting of one adult male, from 1 to 9 females and cubs. Hamadryas sleep on ledges of rocks, 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 the 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 baboon (Papio anubis) - primate species marmoset family (Cercopithecidae). The specific name is given for the external resemblance of monkeys to the images of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, often having a dog's head. Previously, along with the bear and Guinean baboons, it was considered a variety of baboons. It is noted that anubis can interbreed with baboons.

The coat of anubis has various brownish-olive shades. The muzzle is black and has no 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.

honors baboons is the so-called naked "sexual skin", which, depending on the amount of sex hormones in the blood, changes its color. Therefore, during the breeding season, baboons that have reached puberty have a pronounced red color of "sexual skin".

The habitat of anubis is mainly the savannas of Africa (in northern Tanzania and from Mali to Ethiopia). The availability of drinking water is a paramount factor that determines whether baboons can live in a given environment.

The diet of anubis is quite varied and includes fruits, plants, roots and tubers. They also prey on insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles. At night, anubis 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 about once every two years. The first time the female becomes a mother at the age of 4 to 8 years. Male cubs, having matured, leave the group, and daughters maintain a long-term relationship with their mother. Family groups can number 8-200 individuals, but generally their number ranges 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 the 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 species is listed in Appendix 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, devastating them. Because of this, they are often hunted. In some areas they are threatened by the destruction of their habitat, but in general they are not considered threatened by the IUCN.