Oxygen equilibrium characteristics of hemoglobins of baboons, Theropithecus gelada,Papio hamadryas and Papio anubis

Hemoglobins of three baboons, Theropithecus gelada, Papio hamadryas- and Papio anubis, were purified and their oxygen equilibrium characteristics were studied. (a) Oxygen affinity, as expressed by P₅₀, oxygen partial pressure for 50% oxygen binding, was in the order of gelada hemoglobin > anubis hemoglobin > hamadryas hemoglobin although the differences were small. (b) The presence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate reduced their oxygen affinity in a similar manner. The effect on baboon hemoglobins was greater than that on human and Japanese monkey hemoglobins. (c) The intensity of the Bohr effect, as expressed by $\text{?Δlog}\text{P}{}_{50}\text{ΔpH}$, at pH 7·4 agreed well with each other and the value was 0·62 in the presence of 2 mm diphosphoglycerate and 0·52 in its absence. These results indicate that phenotypic adaptation (acclimatory) may play an important role in the adaptation of gelada baboon to high altitudes.     

Testicular Size,Mating System,and Maturation Schedules in Wild Anubis and Hamadryas Baboons

We report body mass and testicular size in 258 anubis (Papio anubis or P. hamadryas anubis) and 59 hamadryas (P. hamadryas or P. h. hamadryas) baboons, live-trapped in Ethiopia. As predicted by theories of sexual selection by sperm competition, among hamadryas baboons, which are monandrous, fully adult males have absolutely and relatively smaller testes than those of comparable males among anubis baboons, which are polyandrous. Male hamadryas are also ca. 10% smaller in bodily mass as adults. The intertaxonal difference in adults is due entirely to the fact that in male anubis baboons, testicular and bodily mass continue to grow up to full adulthood–the age at which most males emigrate from their natal troop and initiate a confrontational breeding strategy among unrelated animals. By contrast, male hamadryas baboons, which are usually philopatric, attain adult body mass and testicular size as subadults. In both species, juveniles experience rapid testicular growth peaking in rate at ca. 12kg body mass, but testicular descent and growth starts earlier in hamadryas than in anubis baboons. Juvenile hamadryas baboons have relatively larger testes than their anubis equivalents, perhaps because male philopatry allows the mating strategy of male hamadryas baboons to be initiated during juvenile life and therefore permits some sperm competition between juveniles and adults.     

Human–hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) conflict in the Wonchit Valley,South Wollo,Ethiopia

Understanding the extent of human–primate conflict is crucial to the development of conservation and management strategies. We carried out this study in an unprotected area of central Ethiopia to examine the magnitude of human–hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) conflict and to assess the attitude of local farmers towards baboons in Wonchit Valley. In 2014, we interviewed 119 adult respondents using a structured questionnaire. Local farmers considered hamadryas baboons to be the major pest in the area. All respondents reported that hamadryas baboons caused crop raiding and small livestock predation in the region. Respondents reported that a shortage of fruit producing wild trees and ready availability of crops were the main causes of conflict between farmers and hamadryas baboons. We found that hamadryas baboons damaged cereal crops at dusk and dawn during full moonlight, and most (89.9%) respondents claimed that they were not interested in hamadryas baboon conservation. Our results indicate that human–hamadryas baboon conflict has a strongly negative impact on both baboon conservation and local farmers. We suggest that to mitigate the human–hamadryas baboon conflict, job opportunities such as beekeeping should be introduced in the region.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid Monoaminergic Metabolites in Wild Papio anubis and P. hamadryas are Concordant with Taxon-specific Behavioral Ontogeny

We used a cross-sectional sample to compare ontogenetic trajectories in the concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid of wild anubis (Papio anubis, n = 49) and hamadryas (P. hamadryas, n = 54) baboons to test the prediction that they would differ, especially in males, in association with their distinct behavioral ontogenies. Values of all 3 metabolites [3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), the norepinephrine metabolite; 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the serotonin metabolite; and homovanillic acid (HVA), the dopamine metabolite] declined consistently with dentally-calibrated maturation, and few taxon-related differences were apparent among juveniles. Adult females were too few for adequate comparison, but a discriminant function suggested that they might differ by taxon. Adult males of the 2 species differed strikingly from juveniles and from each other. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, adult male anubis had significantly lower HVA and MHPG, and higher 5-HIAA levels, than predicted from the overall, age-related trend, and MHPG continued to decline with age among adults. As young adults, male hamadryas had low 5-HIAA and a high HVA/5-HIAA ratio, while older males [normatively one-male unit (OMU) leaders] showed a reversal in the trend, with 5-HIAA rising and the HVA/5-HIAA ratio tending to fall. We speculate that the results are related to the dispersing and philopatric ontogenies of anubis and hamadryas males, respectively. Adult male anubis, whose fitness depends on building social networks with nonkin, have high relative serotonin activity, commonly associated with greater social circumspection and skill. Young adult male hamadryas, living among agnatic kin and mating opportunistically, exhibit low 5-HIAA levels, generally associated with impulsivity and social irresponsibility. This reverses as a male approaches the age at which he is normatively the leader of a one-male unit (OMU), and his fitness depends on his maintaining stable relationships with other leaders and with females. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Social organization of gelada baboons: Social units and definitions

This paper aims to clarify terminological differences that have arisen between two different field studies of gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada). First, a comparison of age classifications is made to show the physical correspondences between the two sets of classes. Second, the social system of the gelada baboon is outlined and the terms used to refer to the components of this system are defined and clarified. Attention is drawn to the complex structure of gelada society and to the relationship between the superficially similar social systems of the gelada and the hamadryas baboon.     

High Prevalence of Simian T-Lymphotropic Virus Type L in Wild Ethiopian Baboons

Simian T-cell leukemia viruses (STLVs) are the simian counterparts of human T-cell leukemia viruses (HTLVs). A novel, divergent type of STLV (STLV-L) from captive baboons was reported in 1994, but its natural prevalence remained unclear. We investigated the prevalence of STLV-L in 519 blood samples from wild-living nonhuman primates in Ethiopia. Seropositive monkeys having cross-reactive antibodies against HTLV were found among 22 out of 40 hamadryas baboons, 8 of 96 anubis baboons, 24 of 50 baboons that are hybrids between hamadryas and anubis baboons, and 41 of 177 grivet monkeys, but not in 156 gelada baboons. A Western blotting assay showed that sera obtained from seropositive hamadryas and hybrid baboons exhibited STLV-L-like reactivity. A PCR assay successfully amplified STLV sequences, which were subsequently sequenced and confirmed as being closely related to STLV-L. Surprisingly, further PCR showed that nearly half of the hamadryas (20 out of 40) and hybrid (19 out of 50) baboons had STLV-L DNA sequences. In contrast, most of the seropositive anubis baboons and grivet monkeys carried typical STLV-1 but not STLV-L. These observations demonstrate that STLV-L naturally prevails among hamadryas and hybrid baboons at significantly high rates. STLV-1 and -2, the close relative of STLV-L, are believed to have jumped across simian-human barriers, which resulted in widespread infection of HTLV-1 and -2. Further studies are required to know if STLV-L is spreading into human populations.     

The Influence of Social Systems on Patterns of Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Baboons

Behavior is influenced by genes but can also shape the genetic structure of natural populations. Investigating this link is of great importance because behavioral processes can alter the genetic diversity on which selection acts. Gene flow is one of the main determinants of the genetic structure of a population and dispersal is the behavior that mediates gene flow. Baboons (genus Papio) are among the most intensely studied primate species and serve as a model system to investigate the evolution of social systems using a comparative approach. The general mammalian pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry has thus far been found in baboons, with the exception of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas). As yet, the lack of data on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) creates a taxonomic gap in genus-wide comparative analyses. In our study we investigated the sex-biased dispersal pattern of Guinea baboons in comparison to hamadryas, olive, yellow, and chacma baboons using sequences of the maternally transmitted mitochondrial hypervariable region I. Analyzing whole-range georeferenced samples (N = 777), we found strong evidence for female-biased gene flow in Guinea baboons and confirmed this pattern for hamadryas baboons, as shown by a lack of genetic-geographic structuring. In addition, most genetic variation was found within and not among demes, in sharp contrast to the pattern observed in matrilocal primates including the other baboon taxa. Our results corroborate the notion that the Guinea baboons’ social system shares some important features with that of hamadryas baboons, suggesting similar evolutionary forces have acted to distinguish them from all other baboons.     

Taste Preference Thresholds for Food-Associated Sugars in Baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis)

We aimed to determine taste preference thresholds for 5 food-associated sugars in Papio hamadryas anubis. In a 2-bottle preference test of brief duration (2 min) 4 subadult baboons significantly preferred concentrations as low as 10 mM sucrose, 20 mM fructose, lactose, and maltose, and 25 mM glucose over tap water. Presentation of suprathreshold sugar solutions led to marked concentration-dependent polydipsia. The results show that baboons are among the most sugar-sensitive nonhuman primates tested so far and, thus, support the assumption that Papio hamadryas anubis may use sweetness as a criterion for food selection.     

The distribution ofPapio hamadryas in Saudi Arabia: Ecological correlates and human influence

We describe the distribution ofPapio hamadryas in Saudi Arabia in relation to ecological constraints and recent changes in human activities and land use. Baboons are present only in the Sarawat and southern Hijaz mountains, which border the Red Sea in the southwestern region of the country. Our distribution data confirms that their range, described as of 1981, should be extended 200 km northward, from 21°40N (Taif) to 23°20N (Al Akhal). This new limit of range is not due to recent deployment of the baboons, but instead corrects inaccurate surveys by previous reporters. Ecological factors that affect baboon distribution include low annual rainfall (less than 100 mm per yr), which limits baboon range in the north and east, and the absence of suitable sleeping cliffs in the coastal plain, which limits their range in the west. Relative abundance is discussed in relation to vegetation and predator distribution. Human influence is also significant: commensal troops persist near urban centers, while agricultural development reduces baboon numbers in some regions. Habitat characteristics are discussed in comparison with similar data on the range of hamadryas in Ethiopia.     

Fibrinopeptides A and B of baboons (Papio anubis, Papio hamadryas, and Theropithecus gelada): their amino acid sequences and evolutionary rates and a molecular phylogeny for the baboons

Amino acid sequences of fibrinopeptides A and B from savanna baboons, Papio anubis and Papio hamadryas, and highland baboon, Theropithecus gelada, were established. The sequences of the fibrinopeptides A from the three baboons were identical: (sequence: see text) The fibrinopeptides B were composed of 9 residues and demonstrated the sequence: (sequence see text) where X3 = Arg in P. anubis, His in P. hamadryas, and Gly in Th. gelada. Position-3 of the B peptides was the only replacement site observed among the 25 amino acid residues in both fibrinopeptides from the baboons. Based on these sequences, a molecular phylogeny for the three species of baboons was deduced. The evolutionary rates of the peptides B of the baboons and macaques were also estimated. It was observed that the fibrinopeptides changed at an uneven rate during the evolution of old-world monkeys, i.e., baboons and macaques.     

Biological control of the weed,Chromolaena odorata [Asteraceae], byPareuchaetes pseudoinsulata [Lep.: Arctiidae] on Guam and the northern Mariana Islands

Chromolaena odorata L. is a major weed of tropical plantations and pasture lands.Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros [Lep.: Arctiidae] was mass-reared and released to control the weed on the Mariana Islands of Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan in the western Pacific. One year following establishment ofP. pseudoinsulata on Guam, the weed was reduced 100% at 3 of 4 sites monitored with fixed quadrats. Seed production was prevented if defoliation occurred prior to the beginning of the flowering season. If defoliation occurred shortly after flowering began, the developing seeds were eaten byP. pseudoinsulata or there was a significant reduction in weight and germination of seeds that matured. Eighteen months after establishing on Guam,P. pseudoinsulata had defoliated approximately 25,000 hectares of the weed. This is the 1^st report on the quantitative impact of any control agent forC. odorata, and though the long term effect of the insect is still unknown, these results are encouraging.     

Anti-predator behavior of gelada baboons

The anti-predator behavior of gelada baboons has been observed to consist of simple flight (i.e. they flee to cliffs after becoming alarmed by potential predators). However, active antipredator behavior was observed in a recently found gelada population in Arsi, Ethiopia. This population showed frequent active counter-attacks and severe mobbing at predators. Males fought domestic dogs on the plain and exhibited a systematic mobbing behavior towards a leopard on the cliff face to chase it off. These active anti-predator behaviors are the first confirmed reports on gelada baboons and may provide a useful insight for the understanding of the process of evolutionary adaptation to highland habitats by gelada baboons, as well as for the origin of this small southern population.     

Crossing the Red Sea: phylogeography of the hamadryas baboon, Papio hamadryas hamadryas

The hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) is found both in East Africa and western Arabia and is the only free-ranging nonhuman primate in Arabia. It has been hypothesized that hamadryas baboons colonized Arabia in the recent past and were possibly even transported there by humans. We investigated the phylogeography of hamadryas baboons by sequencing a portion of the control region of mtDNA in 107 baboons from four Saudi Arabian populations and combing these data with published data from Eritrean (African) P. h. hamadryas. Analysis grouped sequences into three distinct clades, with clade 1 found only in Arabia, clade 3 found only in Africa, but clade 2 found in both Arabian and African P. h. hamadryas and also in the olive baboon, P. h. anubis. Patterns of variation within Arabia are neither compatible with the recent colonization of Arabia, implying that baboons were not transported there by humans, nor with a northerly route of colonization of Arabia. We propose that hamadryas baboons reached Arabia via land bridges that have formed periodically during glacial maxima at the straits of Bab el Mandab in the southern Red Sea. We suggest that the genetic differentiation of Arabian from African populations suggests that Arabian populations have a higher conservation status than recognized previously.     

Migration of male hamadryas baboons into anubis groups in the Awash National Park,Ethiopia

Among “savanna” baboons, males are the dispersing sex, and females are philopatric. Despite clear evidence for migration of adult males at Erer-Gota, Ethiopia (Abegglen, 1984), it is generally believed that a different pattern-dispersal only by female transfer-is found in hamadryas baboons,Papio hamadryas hamadryas (Pusey and Packer, 1987; Pusey, 1988; Stammbach, 1987). Since the late 1960's, there have been isolated observations of hamadryas males migrating into anubis groups in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia (Nagel, 1973; Kawai and Sugawara, 1976; Sugawara, 1982). Since 1983, we have observed 11 individually identified adult hamadryas immigrants in four anubis groups above the Awash Falls and have trapped and tagged 9 of them. One subadult male was also captured and marked. Repeated visits to the study site allow us to document long-term residence of these “cross-migrant” males in their host groups. The longest-resident male has been in the same group for 5 years or more; a conservative estimate of the average length of residence is 3 years. We estimate that 25 hamadryas males have moved into this ozne over the last 15 years. Although larger than the hamadryas males captured in 1973, all but one of our cross-migrants appear phenotypically hamadryas. By comparing, the ages of our cross-migrants with Abegglen's account of the typical hamadryas male life-history, we have found that the adult hamadryas males seem to immigrate at ages consistent with having left their