Random Fascinating Things You Might Not Know About Gelada Baboons (12 items)

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  (#9) They Have A Complicated Social Hierarchy

  As primates, it’s no surprise that geladas have complicated social structures with multiple class distinctions. Like many other species, families are dominated by an alpha male who has special privileges in the tribe. However, they often do not claim exclusive mating rights with the females of the group. 

  Research has shown many alphas will allow younger males into his group, bachelors who will attempt to mate with members of the alpha's harem. While this may seem like a bad deal for the alpha, it actually benefits the group. Even though the alpha has some competition from the younger males, on average he will still father about 83% of the children. The added defense benefit of having a few extra males around makes this a good deal for everyone involved.
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  (#4) Gelada Baboons Graze In Massive Herds So Big They're The Second Largest Primate Gatherers (Next To Humans, Of Course)

  While many primates are known to live in extended social groups, geladas take it a step further than most. While gelada families can be quite large in their own right, when families come together they can create massive mega-herds that fill the mountain meadows. Up to 1,200 geladas can gather together in a single location, which is one of the largest gathering of primates outside of human settlements. Because they are primarily grazers and grass is a plentiful resource in their environment, geladas can exist together in extremely large groups without creating any significant levels of competition between them.
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  (#11) They Live In The Mountains Of Ethiopia

  Geladas are indigenous to the mountainous peaks of northern Ethiopia. They have adapted to a high altitude lifestyle and are known to be tremendous climbers, living in a range of 6,000 to about 16,000 feet above sea level. The once numerous species of the genus Theropithecus used to live in a range that stretched from Africa to India, but what's left of the grass-eating primates can now only be found on the cliff faces of east Africa.
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  (#2) Theirs Are The Most Developed Opposable Thumbs Of All Wild Primates

  To make sure they are eating only the finest blades of grass, geladas have developed an impressive thumb and index finger known as the most advanced of all primates besides human beings. They can use their nimble fingers to pluck individual blades of grass from the ground, and they have proven to be picky eaters. If a blade seems too dry, they will pass it over for one that looks a bit more fresh. This adaptation and keen eye for quality allows the geladas to maximize their daily nutritional intake.
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  (#5) Their Butts Have Evolved Cushions For Extra Comfort

  Sometimes evolution gives the world a treat it didn’t even know it needed. Because geladas spend most of their days picking through grass while sitting on their rumps, these primates have developed an extra layer of leathery padding on their rear-ends to help make feeding time a bit more comfortable. Their padded buttocks are known as ischial callosities. What’s more, some geladas will choose to scoot around in the seated position instead of walking while they are grazing, which basically means they shuffle around on their tough butts all day.
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  (#7) They Have Highly Developed Communication Skills

  Primates are renowned for their cleverness, and the gelada is no exception. 

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