What Is A Group Of Baboons Called? Do Baboons Bond With Each Other?

Deepthi Reddy
Feb 20, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Oct 11, 2021
Edited by Isobel Murphy
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
Group of Hamadryas baboons on ground

Baboons are among 23 monkeys of the Old World with a history dating back at least 2 million years.

Like humans, primates like baboons partake in a series of interactions between members of the same species that constitute social activity. These animals exhibit very social behavior, particularly when it comes to parental care.

In all, six different baboon species are found in the wild. The Guinea baboon, yellow baboon, olive baboon, chacma baboon, and Kinda baboon are found in African regions, along with the hamadryas baboon, which can be found on the Arabian Peninsula.

Baboons spend their whole lives in close quarters with both friends and foes. The majority of baboons are organized into social groups and a group of baboons is referred to as a troop or tribe.

Believe it or not, a myth that a group of baboons is called a congress of baboons was spread widely on the internet for years, but we now know that this is not correct.

Why not keep reading to learn more about how to describe a group of baboons, or check out our other articles to find out what is a group of deer called and what is a group of bears called?

Are baboons social animals?

We can't imagine surviving on our own, and neither can baboons, who live in groups called troops or tribes.

Baboons, like many primates, are very social. They dwell in social groups, which include adult females, adult males, and young baboons. Baboons' groups can range from dozens to hundreds of individuals; the biggest group has up to 300 members. Interestingly, baboons spend their whole lives in close proximity to relatives, family members, and also opponents.

Do baboons live in groups? Why?

Social behaviors like living in communities and assisting others in caring for children have clear benefits. They enhance the quantity and survival of young baboons and improve personal wellness.

Baboons tend to dwell in groups and 'troop' is the collective noun for baboons. The group size of different types of baboons living in different environments varies.

The average group size is approximately 50 animals, although it can range from 5-250 based on the species, habitat, and season. Habitats with more food supplies tend to sustain larger groups and vice versa. Troops assist each other in grooming, eating, and guarding.

What is the leader of a group of baboons called?

Baboons form highly strategic and complex communities. These animals may not be able to sit down and discuss a map, but they must still choose where the group should go.

When it comes to deciding who will lead the group, a dominant individual is required, known as the alpha. The alpha form groups with one male, several females, and their offspring, known as one-man units.

The alpha earns his status by forcefully withstanding other male aspirant primates for leadership. He maintains rigorous discipline and is a kind and caring father who will watch over and passionately defend his troop's ladies and infants.

What's a large group of baboons called? How did it get its name?

While living in a group, communication and cooperation help the group achieve foraging success.

Baboons have a social structure that consists of one male leader and four or more females, known as the one male unit (OMU). This one male unit forms a large group termed a troop or tribe. Baboons are socially complex and extremely intelligent, earning these animals the group name of 'troop'.

The troop structure of hamadryas baboons and other species differs significantly. Men from other species migrate into new social groupings as they reach adulthood. Whereas, hamadryas baboons are commonly seen in large groups exhibiting a four-tiered social order.

The difference between a group of baboons and a group of monkeys?

A collective noun of animals is given to describe certain kinds of animals moving together, for example, a herd of cows or goats, a school of fish, a murder of crows, a pride of lions, a gaggle of geese, a parliament of owls, and so on.

Likewise, you might have heard that the collective noun for a group of monkeys is called a tribe, troop, barrel, or cartload, whereas, a group of baboons is most commonly termed a troop.

A troop or barrel of monkeys can be larger in size, ranging from a few individuals to thousands or more, but a troop of baboons is typically just a few hundred strong.

A quick point to remember is that the proper collective term for baboons is troop, not a congress of baboons, just as we know that the correct collective term for crows is a murder!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for what is a group of baboons called, then why not take a look at what is a group of horses called, or hamadryas baboon facts?

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

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Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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