ch as cheetahs and leopards. Baboons live mostly on the ground but sleep in such places as trees or cliffs. Throughout Africa baboons achieve some protection from nocturnal predators by sleeping in tall trees or on cliffs (Smuts 19). Usually each troop sleeps on a different cliff, but occasionally two troops will share a single sleeping site.In addition to the predators previously mentioned, baboons share their range with antelope as well as other large mammals including zebra, warthog, jackals, and African buffalo.PHYSICAL ADAPTATIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTPrimates have a number of characteristic physical features, but not every primate has each of these features. Nearly all kinds of primates, including baboons can grasp objects with their hands and feet. They have nails, rather than claws, on at least some of their fingers and toes. Vision is probably a primate's most important sense. Most primates have well-developed eyesight and stereoscopic vision (the ability to judge depth). The eyes are on the front rather than the sides of the head. Other primate features include similar skeletal and dental structures. The physical features of primates are basically suited for a tree-dwelling life. For example, the ability to grasp objects helps in climbing and traveling through trees. Just about all baboons have cheek pouches, enabling them to "eat and run. Baboon ears and faces are naked. A baboon has a large head and long, sharp canine teeth, and a muzzle much like that of a dog. A baboon's arms are about as long as its legs. Some baboons have short, stumpy tails, but others have tails more than 2 feet long. Male baboons are much larger than the females and have longer canine teeth. Some female baboons weigh as little as 24 pounds. A male baboon may weigh 90 pounds. Body lengths range between 50-60cm. or heavier, with the olive and yellow being the largest. Their fur is dense and their coloring varies somewhat, though most coats contain gray...
