Baboon
Baboon Baboons are social primates who tend to live in groups of around 50 individuals (groups can be up to 300 though!). They will be routinely seen participating in social behaviours such as grooming and food sharing. Baboons are primarily vegetarian however they will eat insects, and occasionally fish, birds and small mammals. Baboons have a range of different vocalisations for communicating with each other. Over 30 distinct vocalisations including grunts and screams are used in addition to a plethora of non-vocal gestures such as shrugging and lip smacking. There are five species of baboons. The two most common species, olive baboons and yellow baboons, live in East Africa. The Guinea baboon is the smallest baboon species, while the Chacma baboon is the largest. Females tend to give birth every other year. They usually have one infant and their gestation period is 6 months. The bond between mother and infant baboon is very special. The mother will carry the young until he or she is able to ride on her back. They are in constant contact for the first few months, and the mother is very attentive. Only once an infant reaches around 4 months of age will they be allowed to play and interact with other young baboons. Baboons are very strong animals and have sharp canine teeth similar in length to lions. They will however try to avoid fighting by using intimidating vocalisations and gestures. The baboon was revered in Ancient Egyptian culture, being admired for its intelligence. The baboon was also the symbol of the god Thoth, and was sometimes depicted as a guardian of the dead in the underworld. Photo ? @sachin_rai_photography
