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Communicating Without Words
"Hamadryas baboons communicate through body language. They stare when they’re angry, threaten by yawning and baring their teeth, and reassure each other by chattering their teeth and smacking their lips. This way, they can convey a lot without speaking."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
steppes and mountainous regions in Northeast Africa and Yemen
Food:
plants, insects, and small mammals
Lifespan:
up to 37 years
Weight:
Male: 17–25 kg; Female: 10–13 kg
Number of young:
1 young
Gestation period:
5–6 months
Can be seen:
Along the walking safari trail
IUCN status:
Least Concern
EEP:
Yes
About the hamadryas baboon
The hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) is a primate of the baboon genus and is found in the steppes and mountains along the Red Sea, primarily in Somalia, Ethiopia, and southwestern Arabia. Males are larger than females and have a distinctive silver-gray coat with a long mane around their necks, which gives them the name “hamadryas baboon.” These baboons live in harems consisting of one male and several females, and form larger clans and bands. They eat mainly grasses, fruits, and invertebrates, and can travel up to 13 kilometers a day in search of food. Although the mantled baboon is not endangered, it does face pressure from habitat loss and hunting for its fur.
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Habitat and threats
The hamadryas baboon lives on the steppes and in the mountainous regions of Northeast Africa and Yemen. In these dry and rocky areas, the animals forage for food and live in large, close-knit groups. The species currently has a "Least Concern" IUCN status. However, habitat loss and conflicts with humans can pose a local threat to some populations.
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Species Conservation at Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the IUCN status of the hamadryas baboon is “Least Concern,” but did you know that more than 10,000 animal species are threatened with extinction? Beekse Bergen collaborates with approximately 325 European zoos to conserve these species. We are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Through management programs (EEPs), we ensure healthy reserve populations.
The hamadryas baboons at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a studbook for the species and manages the population across zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator advises on which animals may breed together. Sometimes this means that a hamadryas baboon is moved to another zoo. This way, we increase the chances of healthy offspring and the species’ survival. You can recognize species with an EEP by the logo of a rhinoceros with a calf.