- Baboon -

 

 

Baboons live in Africa or Arabia and are some of the world's largest monkeys. Males average from 33 to 82 pounds. Like other Old World monkeys, baboons do not have prehensile (gripping) tails. But they can and do climb trees to sleep, eat, or look out for trouble. Baboons spend much of their time on the ground.

Baboons are opportunistic eaters and, fond of crops, become destructive pests to many African farmers. They eat fruits, grasses, seeds, bark, and roots, but also have a taste for meat. They eat birds, rodents, and even the young of larger mammals, such as antelopes and sheep.

Did you know?
Baboons use at least ten different and unique vocalizations to communicate with other members of the troop.

Average lifespan in the wild: 30 years
Size: Head and body, 20 to 34 in; Tail, 16 to 23 in
Weight: 33 to 82 lbs
Group name: Troop
Size relative to a 6-ft man: