Quck answer
Baboons are a type of Old World monkey that are known for their distinctive red bottoms, or “scarlet booties”. These primates are highly social and live in large troops, with dominant males leading the group. They are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small animals. Baboons are found throughout Africa, in a range of habitats from savannas to forests. Despite being known for their aggressive behavior, baboons have also been observed showing empathy and caring for injured members of their troop. Overall, baboons are fascinating creatures that continue to intrigue researchers and animal lovers alike.
Wild Animals
This female baboon (right) seems to be in heat, as her behind is enlarged and red. Michele D’Amico supersky77/Getty Images
When you hear the word baboon, what is the first thing that comes to mind? It’s okay. Most of us think of their big, red behinds. So, let’s address this right away. Why do baboon butts turn red?
First of all, it’s important to note that only female baboons have a swollen red bottom, which is an indication that they are ready to mate. In other words, it’s all about sex. And when we say swollen, we mean swollen. According to LiveScience, the swelling can be anywhere between 4 and 6.5 inches (10 and 16.5 centimeters).
He Likes Big Red Butts
However, this excessive swelling does not necessarily serve any real purpose or benefit for baboon reproduction. A study published in the journal Animal Behaviour in 2015 found that the baboons with the reddest rumps did not attract the most mates or have the most sexual activity. Female baboons with the most swelling did not seem to have better chances of their offspring surviving past infancy either.
It seems that male baboons were more interested in how long it had been since the females had their last infant rather than how red their bottoms were. Females who had older infants and were not nursing, regardless of swelling, were more likely to mate.
So, what’s the deal with the red bums? It appears to be simply a function of ovulation. For 10 to 20 days each month, the hind area swells up and reaches its peak when the female is most fertile. Then it returns to normal.
We are able to see this swelling so clearly because both male and female baboons’ behinds are furless. They even get callouses on their behinds from sitting on them all the time, similar to the callouses dogs develop on their elbows from lying down.
Now that we’re done talking about baboon butts, let’s discuss some other questions about baboons, because they are fascinating animals regardless of their unattractive behinds.
Baboons Are Monkeys
Baboons (Papio) are primates and they belong to one of the 23 types of Old World monkeys, which means they don’t have prehensile tails. Unlike their New World monkey relatives in South America, they can’t use their tails to swing from trees.
They’re also the largest monkeys in the world. Due to their size, and the fact that they don’t have a tail that can help them much, baboons tend to spend most of their time on the ground, walking on both their feet and hands, rather than in trees.
Most scientists agree that there are five species of baboon. Interbreeding is common, so there are hybrids, which makes it difficult to strictly classify them.
The five generally accepted species of baboon are:
Baboon Species
Baboons are a type of monkey found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. They are divided into five species:
- Anubis: also known as the olive baboon, this species is the most widespread.
- Chacma: also known as the Cape baboon, this is the largest baboon species.
- Guinea: this is the smallest baboon species.
- Hamadryas: these are also called sacred baboons. They are the northernmost species and live in the cliffs along the Red Sea.
- Yellow: some lump this species in with Hamadryas.
Baboons live in families called troops. These troops can range from a few animals to over 300. They are omnivores and eat fruit, roots, grubs, insects, grasses, bark, rodents, birds, and human food. Baboons have adapted to live alongside humans, which has made them a pest as they often eat farmers’ crops and rummage through people’s homes and cars in search of food.
Baboon Characteristics
Baboons are not as big as humans, standing at about 20 to 34 inches (50 to 86 centimeters) tall (plus a tail) and weighing 30 to 85 pounds (13 to 38 kilograms) on average. They have sharp upper and lower canine teeth and are protective of their food and troop. Males use their strength to dominate rivals and maintain a position of leadership or status in the troop. Baboons can be dangerous and may attack humans who have food they want or try to take food from them. Though they usually try to warn humans away, they will charge and bite if necessary.
Baboons live up to 30 years in the wild and give birth to one baby at a time. They take at least a year off to raise their infant. All species live in big groups called troops.
The baboon population is doing well, with only the Guinea baboon being classified as “near threatened” due to losing a quarter of its habitat over the past 30 years from hunting and farming. All other species are considered “least concern.” For those interested in baboons, the San Diego Zoo offers a baboon cam in their Africa Rocks exhibit, featuring Hamadryas baboons, Gelada monkeys, and Nubian ibexes. Baboons are generally not aggressive towards humans, but can attack if they feel threatened. They are omnivores, eating fruit, insects, roots, bark, grasses, birds, and rodents. The red bottoms of female baboons indicate that they are ready to mate. There are five species of baboons, including olive, yellow, chacma, Guinea, and sacred.
FAQ
1. What are baboons?
Baboons are a type of Old World monkey that are native to Africa and Arabia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long, dog-like muzzles, sharp teeth, and a colorful rear end.
2. What do baboons eat?
Baboons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes fruits, leaves, bark, roots, insects, and small mammals. They are also known to raid crops and steal food from human settlements.
3. How do baboons communicate with each other?
Baboons use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other, including grunts, barks, screams, and yelps. They also use body language, such as facial expressions and gestures, to convey information.
4. What is the social structure of baboons?
Baboons live in large, hierarchical groups called troops. Each troop is led by a dominant male, who is responsible for protecting the group and mating with females. Females also have a hierarchy, with higher-ranking individuals having more access to resources and better opportunities to mate.
5. What are the predators of baboons?
Baboons are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including leopards, lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. They rely on their agility and strength to evade predators, and will often mob together to defend themselves.
6. How do baboons stay cool in hot weather?
Baboons are adapted to hot, arid environments and have several strategies for staying cool. They will seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, and will also pant and sweat to regulate their body temperature.
7. What threats do baboons face?
Baboons are threatened by habitat loss due to human development, as well as hunting and poaching for their meat and body parts. They are also at risk of disease transmission from humans and other animals.
8. How long do baboons live?
Baboons have a lifespan of around 20-30 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live up to 45 years.
9. Do baboons make good pets?
No, baboons do not make good pets. They are wild animals that require specialized care and a large amount of space. Keeping a baboon as a pet is illegal in many countries.
10. How can I help protect baboons?
You can help protect baboons by supporting conservation organizations that work to protect their habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict. You can also reduce your consumption of products that contribute to deforestation and habitat loss, and avoid supporting the illegal wildlife trade.
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