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Size: The Hamadryas baboon
is the smallest of the baboons: head and body 61-76 cm, tail 38-61cm.
The average body mass of an adult is between 20 and 30kg, and for the
female it is between 10 and 15kg. This big difference in size and mass
reflects a strong dimorphism, which is also characterized by the magnificent
mane and the huge canines of the male.
Locomotion: The Hamadryas baboon moves on the ground quadrupedally.
Lifespan: 37 years in captivity.
Distribution: Northeastern Sudan to central Somalia and
Arabia Peninsula.
Habitat: Semi-desert rocky and hilly plains, alpine meadows
up to 2,600m.
Food: Hamadryas baboons are mainly a grazers (grasses,
rhizomes, routs, tubers and shoots) but also browsers (fruits, leaves,
flowers). They can also sometimes hunt and eat meat ((small vertebrates,
snails, small mammals, birds and infant gazelles). In part of Arabia,
they are becoming increasingly dependent on raiding crops and garbage
dumps. They usually drink about midday.
Predators: mainly Leopard and Hyena.
History: The Hamadryas baboon was sacred by the
ancient Egyptians and depicted as the attendant of Thoth, the God of
writing.
Status: listed as "vermin" in the African
convention.
Threats: Baboons are hunted for their meat, as a pest,
and for sport. Irrigation diminishes the size of their habitat and makes
it less hospitable.
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