The hamadryad which is called still a plashchenosny baboon treats separate species of primacies from a sort baboons. Is the representative of a suborder uzkonosy monkeys. The number of population of these animals began to decrease therefore hamadryads need protection.
Habitat of hamadryads
Africa is considered the homeland of plashchenosny baboons. Earlier, as the ancient hieroglyphs left by Egyptians testify, hamadryads occupied almost all northern part of the continent. Now, when the climate became more severe, baboons reduced the territory of resettlement, having limited to Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Nubia. Besides, small populations of hamadryads can be met in Asia and on Arabian Peninsula.
Appearance of hamadryads
Hamadryads are big monkeys. Males can reach up to 1 m in length. Their weight fluctuates around 18-20 kg. A female there are much less men's individuals (do not exceed 12-14 kg).
Color of the wool covering a body of primacies, gray. Indumentum on the head, shoulders and a breast is located originally (it is much longer, than on other parts of the body), forming something like the mane similar to a cape. For this reason hamadryads are called plashchenosny baboons. Scientists consider that the mane which at males is longer and more dense, than at females saves monkeys from high temperature and also softens stings and blows towards the head during the fight.
Front part of a hamadryad is deprived of wool. It belongs also to its back part which besides is painted in bright red color.
Habitat and enemies of baboons
Hamadryads live groups on 60-70 and more individuals. The leader whose orders nobody can challenge directs pack. The right of the first marriage night also belongs to it. Further to hierarchies there are senior males forming the frame of pack which is responsible for its safety. After them – the leader's "brides", adult females and the growing-up males.
Plashchenosny baboons live in friendly staff. In pack the serious conflicts seldom break out. Each female gives birth only to one cub therefore communication between them is especially strong.
Hamadryads prefer open areas. They lodge on shrouds or plateaux. These primacies do not like to climb trees. They do it only as necessary (in attempt to run away from the persecutor or in search of food).
Plashchenosny baboons are omnivorous. They can eat both roots of plants, and small animals. Time of pack of hamadryads get on a plantation of farmers, reserving in the field only scraps. For this reason the harvest is quite often protected with the traps capable to cripple the primacies who got in them.
As hamadryads are large animals, besides and with close social ties, predators extremely seldom attack them. An exception are leopards who promptly rush into pack and abduct the stood gaping individual. In most cases monkeys manage to be prepared for attack, jumping on the rock and throwing stones at the opponent.
Hamadryads are not afraid of people. At penetration of the person on their territory the monkeys attack it. Therefore tourists are warned about similar danger in advance.