The hamadryas baboon (or Papio hamadryas) is a species of baboon, a large and mostly terrestrial primate, native to Ethiopa, Djibouti and Somalia in the Horn of Africa and Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula. Hamadryas baboons exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism not just in size, but also appearance. Both sexes are covered in shaggy fur, which is brown in females and silvery-white in males. Additionally, males have a thick mane, or cape, around the neck and a ruff of hair around the cheeks. With a dog-like snout, the face is hairless and red-brown in colour. Baboons have conspicuous callosities on their buttocks, thickened patches of naked skin that allow them to sit comfortably on branches and other rough surfaces. Male hamadryas baboons are about twice as large as females, measuring 70cm to 95cm in head-body length, with a 42cm to 60cm long tail and weight of 15kg to 30kg. Females are 50cm to 65cm long, with a 37cm to 41cm long tail, and weigh only 10kg to 15kg.
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Papio hamadryas
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hamadryas-baboon
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Animal Facts
The name 'hamadryas' is an Ancient Greek compound word that refers to a dryad that lives inside of a tree.
The patriarchal social structure of the hamadryas baboon is unique among the baboon species.
Hamadryas baboons were deified in Ancient Egypt; the god Thoth was often depicted with the head of a baboon and associated with wisdom, science, magic and judgement.
Baboons live in open grasslands and woodlands due to their largely terrestrial nature. During the day, they walk on the ground foraging for food, and during the night they will climb trees and cliffs to sleep.
Hamadryas baboons are opportunistic omnivores and will eat anything from grasses, seeds and fruit to fish, carrion, and even fresh meat from birds, small monkeys or young antelopes.
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