Hamadryas Baboon

Papio hamadryas

Hamadryas baboons are superbly adapted to dry savannas and the rocky edges of deserts. They spend most of their lives on the ground and use steep cliffs as safe sleeping sites. Their hairless, heavily calloused ischial callosities act as natural cushions on hard rocks, whether hot or cold.

Older males develop a striking silvery-grey “mantle” of long hair, which makes them appear larger and plays an important role in displays and threats towards rivals. Females and young males, in contrast, have short, rather inconspicuous brown coats. During the day, Hamadryas baboons travel long distances in search of food. As omnivores, they feed on grasses, roots, tubers, seeds, fruits and invertebrates.