Monkeys are always interesting to watch - they are so spontaneous, cute and smart that they can't leave anyone indifferent! What is a dog-headed monkey, what are its features and unusual habits - the following material will tell about this.
General features and appearance
The generalized name includes several subspecies of monkeys at once, which have a number of similar external and behavioral features. Knowing such features of animals of this genus, it is impossible to confuse them with anyone else.
The dog-headed monkey, or baboon, is a narrow-nosed primate. They are very smart, live in large groups, strictly observing the foundations and traditions of the pack. The baboon is distinguished by the following external characteristics:
- Quite a large size - an average of 70-100 centimeters in height and 25-45 kg in weight. Males are usually larger than females.
- The head seems large in relation to the body. The muzzle is elongated and narrow, and on it there are so-called cheek pouches. It is to this structure of the head that baboons owe their second name - the dog-headed monkey (photos of animals are presented inarticle).
- Long and thin tail, reaching an average of 50-70 centimeters.
- Wool is thick, not too long. There is much more of it on the head than on the torso and limbs.
- Under the tail of the baboons is the "sciatic callus" - two hairless pink hemispheres. In females ready to mate, this part of the body turns bright red.
Baboons move mainly on four limbs, they can climb trees perfectly, run and jump fast.
Where can I meet a baboon?
There are not many places where the dog-headed monkey lives in nature. The description of their way of life confirms that these primates need a large area for comfortable living of the entire large flock.
The most comfortable natural environment for baboons is the steppe and savannas of Africa. Most often, flocks of these animals are found in the southern part of the mainland and on the Arabian Peninsula.
Dog-headed monkeys are usually not afraid of people and can settle not far from civilization, engaging in petty wrecking: they can steal food and even small domestic animals.
During tourists' visits to safari parks where baboons live in free conditions, primates do not run away from people, but, on the contrary, expect handouts and goodies from them.
Herbivore hunter: what do monkeys eat?
The diet of an animal like the dog-headed monkey is very extensive. These animals can eatboth plant and animal foods.
Most often, the menu of baboons consists of fruits of fruit trees, berries, root crops, small beetles and reptiles. But, despite the rich plant diet, the baboon is able to hunt not always the smallest prey.
Due to physiological characteristics, the dog-headed monkey is able to develop serious speed, which allows it to easily catch up with the victim. And thirty-two of the sharpest teeth, of which quite powerful fangs stand out clearly, leave no chance not only for medium-sized animals, like a dog, but also for large African inhabitants. A male baboon is able to catch and tear a gazelle, which indicates the exceptional speed and strength of these animals.
The laws of the pack: the social order of baboons
These primates live in large flocks, strictly adhering to the intra-clan hierarchy. At the head of the pack is the strongest male. Everyone obeys his "instructions" implicitly.
In the daytime, baboons are on the ground, having chosen a vast territory and doing their own thing. At the same time, the placement of primates is always the same: strong males are located along the edges, females and cubs are closer to the center. Thanks to this “building”, the strongest of its representatives will always be able to protect the flock, and it doesn’t matter which side the enemy crept up from.
The dog-headed monkey has the sharpest eyesight and sees danger from afar. In this case, the leader emits a characteristic sound signal. This signal can be used by othersanimals - this kind of warning is hard not to hear.
In case of alarm, baboons climb trees and wait out the danger.
Cupid affairs: love and breeding baboons
An adult female baboon is ready to mate every month. The male and female form a pair during the mating season. It is worth noting that at this time the "cavalier" courts only one "lady".
Pregnancy in a female dog-headed monkey lasts an average of six months and ends with the birth of one cub, in very rare cases - twins.
The monkeys treat newborns very carefully and carefully: at first, the babies are at the mother's chest, tenaciously grabbing her hair; a little later - on her back. Growing up baboons are increasingly leaving their mother and playing with other cubs, but at the same time parental control does not weaken - dog-headed monkeys do not leave children unattended and do not allow them to play too violently.
Beware of danger
Baboons are not afraid of almost any animal. Even if there are elephants or rhinos on their way, the monkeys are reluctant to give way to them - they perfectly feel that large animals do not threaten them.
The only exceptions are leopards and lions. These predators, thanks to their incredible speed and strength, can successfully hunt baboons. But the poaching of these rare animals leads to the fact that their population is sharply reduced, and the natural regulation of the reproduction of dogheadsmonkeys - disappears. There has been a significant increase in the number of primates in leopard and lion trapping areas.
African residents have a negative attitude towards these animals. Monkeys are very smart, yet strong and cheeky. They calmly approach human settlements in order to profit from food or domestic animals. The presence of a person does not frighten them, except for a strong man with a weapon. A baboon is not only not afraid of a woman and a child, but can also attack. Unfortunately, in African villages, it is not uncommon for dog-headed monkeys tore or bite children and women to death.
Watching monkeys is extremely interesting: their habits combine features of the animal world and human character at the same time. But no matter how cute and smart baboons are, do not forget that they are, first of all, animals that can show aggression and strength at the most unexpected moment.
