South African Chacma Baboon (Savannah Baboon) Papio hamadryas

All You Need To Know About The Chacma Baboon

The Chacma Baboon is South Africa's largest wild primate and it occurs in all types of habitat. This species of Baboon is the only one that is found in South Africa and it is also sometimes referred to as the Savannah Baboon. This primate is omnivorous (Eats plants and meat) but prefers to be herbivorous (Only eats plant-like material). You will often see antelope species like the Impala, Nyala and Steenbok hanging around a troop of these Baboons. This is because the Chacma Baboon has got full colour vision, (Whereas the antelope do not) so the antelope species can use this primate as a "watchdog". This is a costly risk taken by the ungulate species as occasionally a male Baboon will catch and eat a small or sick species of antelope.

The characteristic alarm call is a common sound in the South African bush. This call is uttered by the male Chacma Baboon which causes the rest of the troop to scatter and find safety. They form troops of anything between 10 and 200 individuals.

Chacma Baboon Description

The hair colouration of the Savannah Baboon can come in all forms; from dark grey to a greyish-brown colour. The hands and feet of this primate are a light black colour. The adult Males have very large and prominent canine teeth which can cause a lot of harm. The baby and juvenile Baboons have black coats and pinkish faces.

Chacma Baboon Distribution And Habitat

The Chacma Baboon is found virtually through the whole of South Africa. It is absent in the extremely dry parts of the Karoo, as it is water dependant. Habitat requirements for the Chacma Baboon mainly include koppies (mountainous regions) and tall trees. This is because of the threat of predators at night so they need a safe sleeping place. Favourite habitats for the Chacma Baboon include mountains and mountain ranges, riverine areas, open woodland and even farmland!

How Big Is A Chacma Baboon?

A Chacma Baboon can range from 1 metre to 1.7 metres tall (When standing). The male weighs around 30 or more kilograms and the female about 15 kilograms.

Chacma Baboon Behavior

The Chacma Baboon is a very gregarious primate and can live in troops of up to 200 individuals. All the adult male Baboons are dominant over the females, although the males have a strict hierarchy of dominance. These dominant males determine when the troop should move and where they should move to. The females and young Baboons always stay close to the dominant male. Water is drunk on a daily basis. The Chacma Baboon is a very vocal species and if you are in their territory you will definitely here the bark-like call of this South African primate.

Food And Diet Of A Chacma Baboon

This primate is omnivorous and very opportunistic. Roots, bulbs, wild fruit, leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, insects, spiders and farmed crops are the main sources of food for a Chacma Baboon. However they will often develop the taste for meat and flesh and then they will go on the hunt; they are very fast runners! They will hunt down antelope and even Vervet Monkey's!

Predators Of The Chacma Baboon

The predators of this mammal include: African Lion, Southern Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyaena and African Rock Python. Although the young and sick Baboons are also preyed on by Caracal and Jackal.