5 Interesting Facts About the Baboon (Papio Papio)

By Mike Unwin

This sociable, versatile and highly intelligent monkey is the most widespread primate of sub-Saharan Africa. Where humans pose no threat – such as around safari lodges – it can become a confident opportunist, so keep your tent flaps closed and your picnic lunch out of sight.

The several different races of baboon, from the chacma baboon of the Cape to the olive baboon of the Masaai Mara, are today recognised by most scientists as regional variants of a single species.

The canine teeth of an adult male baboon are longer than those of a leopard. He will use them in yawning threat displays to rivals but also as lethal weapons, both in attack and self-defence.
Baboons, like us, rely on subtle social skills for survival. A lower-ranking male will even use strategic child-care – looking after the infant of a higher-ranking female – in order to elevate his status within the group.
Baboons are omnivores. They feed on anything from fruit and seed pods to birds’ eggs and invertebrates, and will kill and eat animals as large as hares or newborn antelope.
You can tell where a troop of baboons has been foraging, from all the stones they turn over while searching for tasty titbits such as scorpions.
Baboons use over 30 vocalisations to communicate, including grunts, barks and screams. They also employ numerous non-vocal gestures, including yawns, lip-smacking and shoulder shrugs.

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By Mike Unwin

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

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