Hamadryas Baboons are primarily found in Ethiopia, but also range into eastern Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and northern Somalia. They also occur in the Arabian Peninsula; in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Within these countries the Hamadryas Baboon numbers are of least concern and while they do not have any major range-wide threats, locally they are under pressure from their habitat being converted into farmland.
Hamadryas Baboon males are usually twice as big as the females weighing between 20kg and 30kg while females will be 10kg to 15kg on average. The males are also different in colouring, having beautiful long silver hair which stretches over their shoulders referred to as a ‘cape’. Females are tan to brown in colour, while infants are born with very dark hair which turns lighten as they get older.
Hamadryas Baboons have a male ruled hierarchy and one male will have several females known as a ‘harem’. Often several harems may coexist and these larger groups are known as a ‘clan’.
Hamadryas Baboons were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt and the species is sometimes referred to as Sacred Baboons.
