Hamadryas baboons typically live in a family group with one dominant male. This is because they operate as a one-male unit (OMU), which is when one adult male will often mate with multiple females and produce four to five offspring. These smaller groups will come together to form “bands” of up to 50 to 100 individuals.
Everyday, male OMU leaders coordinate regarding a specific watering hole location where they will meet up mid-day. They will then break up into clans where they will forage for food and begin their daily march. While the OMU’s of a band are obviously separated for a majority of the day, they still find a way to meet up at the designated watering hole to present what they have gathered.
Fun Fact:
Hamadryas baboons were considered sacred to the ancient Egyptian culture, and are often referred to as Sacred baboons. Some were even mummified after death as a result of their revered status.
Conservation Rating:
Least concern
