Baboon hunting in Botswana

Chacma Baboons are the only species of Baboon found in Botswana. They mainly occur in the Limpopo River catchment (Tuli block), Eastern Botswana and the Okavango Delta and are absent from the dry central and desert regions of the country. These animals have a very noticeable dog-like muzzle with enormous canine teeth. Their diet is quite varied depending on their habitat. They feed on seeds, fruit, flowers, berries, roots, leaves, insects, scorpions, bird’s eggs and nestlings. They also feed on small mammals and can be seen wading into the water to feed on water lily tubers in the delta. To avoid nocturnal predators Baboons sleep in large trees and cliff faces where available. To secure the troops, they post sentries to be on the lookout for danger. When attacked by a Leopard, the large males in the troop will retaliate, biting and screaming and usually successful in driving the Leopard away without its intended meal. CITES permits are required for the import and export of Baboons to control the international trade in primates. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also have special import regulations for the importation of Baboon trophies into the USA.