The Sapolsky challenge is fast approaching! In order to prepare us to hear all about the baboons RMS studied in Kenya, I thought I’d provide some information about the olive baboon, the species he studied in Kenya. I have gotten my information from the African Wildlife Foundation.

-The olive baboon is highly adaptable, and simply needs water and an elevated, safe place to sleep such as a tree or rock face in order to survive.

-The baboons wake up between 7 and 8 in the morning – when the adults begin grooming each other and the little ones play nearby.

-Troops of baboons consist of approximately 50 individuals, and they have a territory in which they prefer to stay. This territory does not have strict boundaries, and often two troops have overlapping territories; two troops, however, do not like to meet.

-Olive baboons are omnivores; the majority of their diet is grass, although they also eat roots, berries, insects, and fish.

-Baboons main predator is the human – do most recently to the increase in baboon trade to laboratories for testing.

-These animals can produce over 30 vocalizations including grunts, barks, and screams. They also shrug their shoulder and yawn.

On Tuesday I will tell you all about why male baboons often switch troops – get pumped 🙂