Hamadryas baboon hunting in Ethiopia

Hamadryas Baboons can be hunted in the central and northern areas of the Ethiopia. They are native to the Horn of Africa and the south-western region of the Arabian Peninsula. This Baboon featured in ancient Egyptian religion and was classified as a sacred animal. Males are nearly double the size of the females, silver-white in colour with a reddish dark brown face with an impressive cape. They live in arid savannah and rocky areas with a permanent water source. This omnivorous ape species eats plant materials such as fruit, flowers, tubers, bulbs, leaves and seeds. They often seen turning over rocks in search of insects, spiders and scorpions to eat. They also hunt for bird’s eggs, nestlings, young antelope, sheep and goat lambs bringing them into conflict with man. They also raid gardens in search of vegetables and maize (corn) and can become quite a nuisance around human habitation. The troop is protected by a number of males. Some of these males’ act as sentries who’s job it is to guard the troop from danger. Their alarm call is a loud dog-like bark which when made will send the troop scurrying for safety. The mothers will scoop up their babies that then clutch onto the long fur on the mothers back or stomach while see dashes for cover. 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.