The Size,Composition and Fissioning in Baboon Troops (Papio Ursinus Kerr, 1792) |
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Authors: | Lukas P. Stoltz |
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Affiliation: | Nature Conservation Division, Transvaal Provincial Administration |
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Abstract: | Several baboon troops were studied during a two year study period. Sub-troop formation in troops was regularly observed and such sub-troops are defined as temporary or semi-permanent. Sub-troops are either normally or abnormally composed as far as age and sex classes are concerned. A temporary sub-troop sleeps apart from the main sub-troop, and these sub-troops reunite the following morning. A semi-permanent sub-troop separates from the main sub-troop for several days. During this period the semi-permanent sub-troop only joins the main sub-troop at sleeping places. The behaviour of certain males is prominent when sub-troops are formed. This study revealed that the baboon troop is wrongly referred to as a stable unit. |
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