Fun Facts

Mothers and daughters form bonds that last into adulthood.

Baboons do not have a prehensile tail that can be used for gripping.

Guinea Baboon

Papio papio

Physical Description

The Guinea baboon is a primate with reddish-brown hair. It has a hairless brown or black face. The area around their tails have no hair and are pink. The typical dog-like face is surrounded by a small mane. From their head to their body they are 20-34 inches long. Their tail ranges from 16-23 inches long. They make a deep two-second call that sounds like “Wa-hoo”.

HABITAT

They are native to a small area of western Africa from Guinea through parts of Senegal, Gambia, southern Mauritania and western Mali.

DIET IN THE WILD

They are omnivorous, and will eat everything from small mammals to fruits, buds, roots and insects.

BEHAVIOR

The Guinea baboon prefers to be social and is found living in groups. The size of the group often is limited by the number of trees available for sleeping at night. Their running style is compared to a galloping horse. Guinea baboons are skilled communicators. They talk by using a variety of vocalizations and physical interactions.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Land-clearing in the wild threatens the natural habitat of the Guinea baboon. Due to its small range and loss of habitat, conservationists are closely watching Guinea baboon populations.

LIFESPAN

In captivity, Guinea baboons can live from 35-40 years.