Yellow Baboon
Papio cynocephalus
A slender, pale yellowish baboon of the East African coast and interior, living in large troops.
| Scientific name | Papio cynocephalus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Nyani wa Njano |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Size | Body length about 60-80 cm (excluding tail), weight about 11-25 kg; males much larger than females |
How to identify
Yellowish-brown fur that is paler and brighter than the olive baboon, with a slightly smaller, more slender build; a bare black face and a projecting dog-like muzzle; relatively long, slim limbs
Habitat
Savanna, open woodland, riverine strips and coastal bush; also frequents areas near human settlements
Diet
Omnivorous, eating grasses, fruit, seeds, tubers, insects and small animals; will also scavenge human food
When it is active
Diurnal, foraging in troops by day and roosting in tall trees or on cliffs at night
Where it lives
Along the East African coast and inland into central Tanzania, including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia
How to spot it
Easily seen in troops around coastal reserves, riverbanks and camps; secure your food and never feed them
Photography tips
Capture social interactions, grooming and mother-and-infant scenes for storytelling; use a telephoto to keep a safe distance; avoid staring at dominant males
Threats
Retaliatory killing due to crop-raiding and habitat loss, though overall numbers remain fairly stable
Similar species
Olive baboon (darker, olive-green and bulkier); the yellow baboon is paler, more yellow and more slender
