Facts about Babons
Baboons in captivity have been known to live up to 45 years, while in the wild their life expectancy is about 30 years. Their group sizes vary alot and range between 5 to 250 animals, average being 50 Baboons. In Egyptian mythology, Babi was the deification of the Hamadryas Baboon and was therefore a sacred animal. It was known as the attendant of Thoth, and so, is also called the Sacred Baboon. The muscles in a baboon's cheek are only weakly held together, which allows tissue to expand far beyond the capacity of a normal cheek. When a baboon forces a lot of food into its mouth, it forms a pouch with its cheek, allowing the baboon to gather food quickly or to hide food from predators. A baboon's impressive canines can grow as long as 2 inches or about as long as a lion's canines. These large pointed teeth are found in both sexes, but are especially prominent in males, which they use for intimidation. Their gestation period is about six months. After the birth, the young baboons weigh approximately 1 kg and is colored black. Baboons use over 30 different vocalizations. They also communicate non-verbally through facial expressions, yawns, shrugs and lip smacking. Its height ranges from 50 cm to 120 cm(20-47 in). Their weight ranges from 14 kg to 40 kg(30-90 lb). A baboon's sight and hearing are acute. The amber eyes see in full color and the pointed ears are angled forward when a noise is heard. Friendship is supremely important in baboon society. A friendship may include grooming, food sharing, defense and, if between opposite sexes, mating rights. They reach sexual maturity in five to eight years. All baboons have long dog-like muzzles, close-set eyes, heavy powerful jaws, thick fur except on their muzzle, a short tail and rough spots on their protruding hindquarters (buttocks), called ischial callosities. These calluses are nerveless, hairless pads of skin that provide for the sitting comfort of the baboon. They are the largest members of the monkey family. Did you know they lick dew? Yes, they do because by licking the dew that collects at night in their fur, baboons can survive for extended periods of time without water. Their diet is omnivorous, but mostly vegetarian; yet they eat insects and occasionally prey on fish, shellfish, hares, birds, vervet monkeys, and small antelopes. In South Africa they have been known to prey on sheep and goats. They are terrestrial animals, which means they are ground dwelling species. Their major predators are man and the leopard. Female baboons give birth every other year, usually to a single infant. "Guinea Baboon" is smallest of the species while "Chacma Baboon" is the largest. |
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