Search


Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?

In a large troop there is more than one dominant male, but there is always a supreme leader. Smaller troops usually have a single dominant individual. Strict hierarchical order is maintained. Occasionally fierce fights for dominance or leadership occur, and maintaining or achieving dominance depends largely on bluff and intimidation, something at which baboons excel. Often a dominant male will intimidate others by a show of bravado, which may include gaining higher ground, making his hair stand on end to make him appear bigger and stronger, and chasing lesser members of the troop around. This behaviour is usually accompanied by grunts and barks meant to frighten lesser members of the troop and potential rivals. Acts of intimidation also include running around barking and breaking branches off trees and shrubs. All males outrank females

More frequently asked questions on: Mammals


Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?

Do leopards mark their territories?

What do Elands look like?

How fast can hyaena run?

Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?

How fast can Elands run?

Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?

How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?

How many muscles does an elephant trunk have?

Do lions kill only when they are hungry?

What is the lifespan of a porcupine?

Can the female lion roar?

What is the normal life span of a lion?

May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?

Do lions often become man eaters?

How long do Suni live?

Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?

Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?

What is the size and weight of an Aardwolf?

How do Elephants Communicate?

Do Giraffes sleep?

Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?

Can you swim with hippos in Kruger National Park?

Do lions scavenge?

What do Vervet Monkeys eat?

Do lions hide during rainy weather?

Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?

What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?

What do Honey Badgers eat?

What do Elands eat?

How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?

What do Aardwolves eat?

Are young adults expelled from the pride?

Can Serval be kept as pets?

How big can hippos get?

Do all male lions possess a mane?

Can lions climb trees?

Are impalas endangered?

Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?

How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?