Mammals

Gelada Baboon

 

The Gelada Baboon (Theropithecus gelada) found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, with large populations in the Semien Mountains.  

They are highly social, occupying herds that are several hundred or even 1,000 strong. Found only in Ethiopia, Geladas are unique in the monkey world. Their diet is almost entirely grass, but they have impressive canine teeth — especially the males, who rely on their fearsome fangs not to eat but to signal dominance or to fight. They are terrestrial, or ground dwellers rather than tree-dwellers. When feeding, they use a "shuffle gait," meaning they move along seated, without lifting their feet. To keep safe at night, they sleep on cliffside ledges where hyenas and leopards will not be able to get them.

 

 

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