One of the most visually striking and socially complex primates in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Found primarily in the rocky deserts, savannas, and cliffs of the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia) and parts of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, it is the northernmost baboon species and the only one found outside of mainland Africa. What truly sets the Hamadryas baboon apart from its relatives is its elaborate social structure, dramatic sexual dimorphism, and the majestic appearance of adult males.

Male Hamadryas baboons are especially eye-catching, with long, silver-gray capes of hair that form a flowing mantle over their shoulders and backs. In contrast, females are much smaller and lack the thick mane, with brown fur and a more slender build. Both sexes have pinkish-red, hairless faces and powerful jaws, and like all baboons, they walk on all fours with a distinctive ground-hugging gait.

These baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on a wide variety of foods including grass, roots, fruit, insects, and even small vertebrates. They are mostly terrestrial but will climb cliffs and trees when necessary, especially to sleep in safety from predators. Their home landscapes are dry, rugged, and open, so Hamadryas baboons have adapted to long-distance travel in search of food and water.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Hamadryas baboon is its social structure, which is unique among baboons. Instead of forming loose, mixed-gender troops like their southern relatives, Hamadryas baboons organize themselves into complex, hierarchical societies built around “one-male units” (OMUs). In each unit, one dominant male leads and guards a group of closely bonded females. Multiple OMUs may come together to form clans, and clans gather into bands that can number in the hundreds. At night, entire bands sleep on cliffs for safety, and during the day, they split into smaller groups to forage.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Djibouti

2016

Egypt

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Eritrea

2016

Ethiopia

2016

Saudi Arabia

2016

Somalia

2016

Sudan

2016

Yemen

2016