Baboons

Baboon in the Harold Porter Botanical Garden in South Africa

Image: Hamsterkiste

Crying out loudly, they climb over rocks, roam the savannah or sit in the sun grooming each other. In South Africa, they are also called baboons. Living in groups, they are curious, clever and sometimes quite cheeky, especially when there’s food to be had.


Baboons are large monkeys that live in many parts of Africa. In South Africa, the chacma baboon is the most common. Baboons live in savannas, forests, mountains, and even near cities. They are very adaptable and thrive in many places.


Depending on the species, baboons can grow to between 40 and 115 centimeters long. They have large canine teeth and powerful bodies. Their fur is usually gray, brown or olive green. They also have a curved tail that can be almost as long as their body. Male baboons are much larger and heavier than females.


They live together in groups of 5 to over 100 animals. There is a hierarchy within the group. Some animals get to eat first or choose the best spots.


Baboons are active during the day. They roam around in groups, looking for food and resting together. At night, they sleep in trees or on rocks to stay safe from predators. Baboons like fruit, leaves, seeds, roots, insects, eggs, and sometimes even small animals. 


To communicate, baboons use different calls and alarm cries. They bare their teeth when they’re angry. They also groom one another when they like each other.


Baboons have many enemies, including leopards, large snakes, hyenas and lions. But baboons look out for each other. The males sometimes raise the alarm or drive enemies away with their roars and teeth.


A female baboon usually has one baby at a time. For the first few weeks, the baby clings to its mother’s belly; later, it rides on her back. Baboons care for their young for a long time. In the wild, baboons can live up to 30 years.

Find out:

  1. Where are baboons found?
  2. How large can baboons grow?
  3. How many baboons are there in a group?
  4. Where do baboons sleep?
  5. What do they eat?
  6. How do these animals communicate?
  7. Which animals prey on baboons?
  8. How old can baboons get?