8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - GRAYFOOT CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus ssp. griseipes)

The Grayfoot Chacma Baboon ( Papio ursinus griseipes ) is a subspecies of the Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) distinguished by its grayish hands and feet and a golden-colored coat, rather than the black limbs of the typical chacma baboon. This subspecies has a more golden fur and is generally smaller and heavier than typical black-footed chacmas. They are omnivorous primates found in Southern Africa, inhabiting diverse environments from deserts to forests. 

They are found in Southern Africa, extending from South Africa northward into Zambia and Mozambique.

Grayfoot chacma baboons have also been observed to hybridize with Kinda baboons (Papio kindae) in the Kafue River valley. 

Key Characteristics

Coloration: Grayish fur on the hands and feet, and a more golden coat than typical chacmas.

Size: Smaller and lighter than the black-footed (ursinus) subspecies.

Habitat: Occupy various habitats including coastal, mountainous, woodland, savannah, and semi-desert regions.

Diet: Omnivorous, consuming fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, small animals, and even shellfish on the coast.

Behavior: Terrestrial and diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and in trees. 

Ecological Role

As omnivores, they play a role in seed dispersal and soil aeration.

They are part of the food web as both predators and prey. 

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - GRAYFOOT CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus ssp. griseipes)

The Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is a member of the Old World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys. Located primarily in southern Africa, the chacma baboon has a wide variety of social behaviors, including a dominance hierarchy, collective foraging, adoption of young by females, and friendship pairings. In general, the species is not threatened, but hunting, trapping, and accidents kill or remove many baboons from the wild, thereby reducing their numbers and disrupting their social structure.

The Chacma baboon is perhaps the longest species of monkey and it is also one of the heaviest. Adult males can in some instances be about twice as long and three times as heavy as adult females. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this baboon is its long, downward-sloping face. The Chacma baboon is generally dark brown to gray in color, with a patch of rough hair on the nape of its neck. Unlike the males of northern baboon species (Guinea, hamadryas, and Olive baboons), Chacma males do not have a mane. The three subspecies are differentiated by size and color. The Cape chacma is a large, heavy, dark-brown, and has black feet. The Gray-footed chacma is slightly smaller than the Cape chacma, lighter in color and build, and has gray feet. The Ruacana chacma generally appears to be a smaller, less darkly colored version of the Cape chacma.