Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?

Mortalities would be extremely high if every confrontation led to a serious fight. Even in the event of a serious fight the loser can still save his skin by adopting a submissive posture. This he does by presenting his hindquarters to his victor, a gesture that is usually accepted. Threats from a superior can also be warded off in this manner, thus avoiding a physical encounter.

In baboons, as in most other animals, serious physical harm and mortalities are minimized through open, elaborate, ritualised posturing and displays.

Although conflict may be diffused in this way, males do occasionally kill each other, in which case serious injuries may also be sustained by the victor.