Baboons

How Do Baboons Mate?

There are five different species of baboon--Hamadryas, Guinea, Yellow, Olive and Chacma. The last four species are referred to as "savanna" baboons. All baboons live in troops, which can have up to 250 animals, but there are generally 50 to 60. Savanna baboons, however, have a different social structure and mating habits than the Hamadryas baboons. Female baboons give birth every other year, after a 6-month gestation period. They usually give birth to one pup, which will stay very close to the mother for several months, before beginning to explore the complex social relationships within the troop. Mothers are the…