Yellow baboon
Papio cynocephalus
The resistance of baboons to HIV has led to several experiments in the search for a cure.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Yellow baboons can live for 40 years.

Statistics
Body length: 61-72cm, Tail length: 50-60cm, Weight: 12-24kg.

Physical description
This species has yellow-brown to yellow-grey fur. Their cheek hair is lighter than the hair on top of their head. Adult males have a mane and infants are born with a black coat.

Distribution
Yellow baboons occupy southern equatorial and east Africa.

Habitat
They inhabit thorn scrub, savannah, woodland and gallery forest up to 1000m.

Diet
They feed on grass, seeds, young leaves, fruits, tubers, cereals, invertebrates, young birds and small mammals. They are opportunist feeders and will eat whatever foods are most abundant.

Behaviour
Yellow baboons live in multi-male, multi-female groups with a distinct dominance hierarchy and overlapping territories. Juvenile females inherit their mother's rank. Group-size depends on food availability and the level of predation in the area. They are diurnal and spend most of their time on the ground. While foraging, they may travel for 5-20 square kilometres (3-12 square miles) a day.

Reproduction
After a gestation period of 170 days, females give birth to one infant.

Conservation status
Yellow baboons are at lower risk of extinction.
