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The Gelada Baboon

The Hamadryas Baboon, although similar to the gelada, in reality is quite different. The primary difference between the two species is that the hamadryas baboon exists in a patrilinear hierarchy. The hamadryas female's most important relationship is with the male. Females prefer to transfer to a new group if they cannot form a close relationship with their male. This is the major difference between the gelada and hamadryas baboons.

Requesting permission: copyright Johan Mommens

The Hamadryas Baboon

The Gelada baboons are organized similarly to the hamadryas baboon, but the organization differs in that the gelada is a matrilineal society. Females together outrank the dominant male, and their social bonds are much stronger with each other. Above is a male gelada. Another differing characteristic of the gelada and the hamadryas is that the male hamadryas cannot switch units, however the gelada male does switch units.

Picture of male gelada: courtesy of Terrence L. Fisher at the San Antonio Zoo