Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219586
Hamadryas Baboon
Papio hamadryasAlso known as Sacred Baboon, Egyptian Baboon
Hamadryas baboons live in complex multi-level societies where dominant males herd exclusive harems across harsh desert scrublands. Adult males feature a striking silver-white cape of hair over their shoulders and spend nights sleeping safely on sheer cliff faces. They forage on foot during the day, harvesting roots, seeds, and small animals while maintaining intense social vigilance.
SocialAridDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Roots
- Insects
Predators
- Leopard
- Verreaux's Eagle
- Striped Hyena
ThreatsHabitat degradation, agricultural expansion, local persecution
HabitatsArid scrublands, savannas, rocky cliffs, semi-deserts
Life span20–30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPrimates
- FamilyCercopithecidae
- GenusPapio
- SpeciesPapio hamadryas
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Adult males have large canines and defend troops aggressively; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Males possess formidable canine teeth and can inflict severe puncture wounds and lacerations when threatened or provoked.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for adult males with large silver-gray capes of hair, pink faces, and prominent canine teeth.
- What to do
- Stay inside vehicles or maintain at least 30 meters distance; do not make direct eye contact or show teeth.
Responsible observation
- Keep distance: Observe troops from afar, especially when large males with prominent silver manes are active.
- Secure food: Never feed baboons or carry exposed food near troops, as this encourages habituated aggression.
Competitor (c) Ty Creelan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Raja bandi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raja bandi · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Lip Kee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) datadan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by datadan · cc-by
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Emerald Kingdom
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