Mandrill vs. Baboon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
Mandrill is a primate species known for its colorful face and rump, native to the rainforests of Central Africa. Baboon is a term for a group of monkeys commonly found in African savannas, distinguished by their dog-like faces and tufted tails.
Difference Between Mandrill and Baboon
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Key Differences
One of the most striking differences between the Mandrill and the Baboon is their preferred habitat. Mandrills are rainforest dwellers, primarily inhabiting the dense forests of Central Africa. Baboons are more versatile, often found in various environments such as savannas, open woodland, and hills across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Behaviorally, Mandrills are generally more elusive and tend to form smaller groups compared to Baboons. Baboons, on the other hand, live in larger social structures and exhibit complex social behaviors. Both Mandrills and Baboons have intricate social systems but differ in group size and dynamics.
Feeding habits also set the Mandrill and the Baboon apart. Mandrills typically eat fruits, insects, and smaller animals, adapting to the abundance of their rainforest homes. Baboons have a more varied diet, which includes plant bulbs, leaves, as well as meat.
In the realm of symbolism and cultural significance, Mandrills are often associated with various African tribal rituals and are considered to be more elusive and mystical. Baboons have historically been observed more easily due to their broader habitat range, and they feature prominently in the mythology of several African and ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Comparison Chart
Coloration
Vivid face and rump colors
Less colorful, tufted tails
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Habitat
Central African rainforests
Various, including savannas
Social Structure
Smaller groups, more elusive
Larger groups, complex behaviors
Diet
Fruits, insects, smaller animals
Varied, including plant bulbs and meat
Cultural Significance
Associated with African tribal rituals
Prominent in African and Near Eastern mythology
Compare with Definitions
Mandrill
Mandrill is a primate known for its vivid coloration.
The Mandrill's bright face caught everyone's attention at the zoo.
Baboon
Baboon is an Old World monkey with a dog-like face.
The Baboon's appearance has always fascinated primate researchers.
Mandrill
Mandrill is native to the rainforests of Central Africa.
We spotted a Mandrill during our Central African safari.
Baboon
Baboon is native to African savannas and open woodlands.
We encountered a troop of Baboons while trekking in the African savanna.
Mandrill
Mandrill is often considered elusive and mystical in African cultures.
The Mandrill is a symbol of mystery in some African tribal rituals.
Baboon
Baboon lives in larger social structures than Mandrills.
A troop of Baboons can number in the hundreds.
Mandrill
Mandrill generally forms smaller social groups.
A group of Mandrills is usually much smaller than a baboon troop.
Baboon
Baboon has significant cultural and mythological roles.
Baboons are often depicted in ancient Egyptian art and mythology.
Mandrill
Mandrill has a diet primarily consisting of fruits and insects.
The Mandrill was busy munching on some berries and insects.
Baboon
Baboon has a varied diet that includes both plants and meat.
The Baboon was seen foraging for roots and later hunting a small rodent.
Mandrill
The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is a primate of the Old World monkey (Cercopithecidae) family. It is one of two species assigned to the genus Mandrillus, along with the drill.
Baboon
Baboons are primates comprising the genus Papio, one of the 23 genera of Old World monkeys. There are six species of baboon: the hamadryas baboon, the Guinea baboon, the olive baboon, the yellow baboon, the Kinda Baboon and the chacma baboon.
Mandrill
A large terrestrial monkey (Mandrillus sphinx) of dense forests of west-central Africa, having an olive-brown body with a brightly colored rump and face that are especially pronounced in the male.
Baboon
Any of several large terrestrial African and Arabian monkeys of the genus Papio, having an elongated doglike muzzle and bare calluses on the buttocks.
Mandrill
A primate, Mandrillus sphinx, with colorful face and rump.
Baboon
(Slang) A brutish person; a boor.
Mandrill
A large West African baboon (Papio sphinx syn. Mandrillus sphinx, formerly Cynocephalus mormon syn. Papio mormon). The adult male has, on the sides of the nose, large, naked, grooved swellings, conspicuously striped with blue and red. It is an endangered species.
Baboon
An Old World monkey of the genus Papio, having dog-like muzzles and large canine teeth, cheek pouches, a short tail, and naked callosities on the buttocks. 13
Mandrill
Baboon of west Africa with red and blue muzzle and hindquarters
Baboon
A foolish or boorish person.
Baboon
One of the Old World Quadrumana, of the genera Cynocephalus and Papio; the dog-faced ape. Baboons have dog-like muzzles and large canine teeth, cheek pouches, a short tail, and naked callosities on the buttocks. They are mostly African. See Mandrill, and Chacma, and Drill an ape.
Baboon
Large terrestrial monkeys having doglike muzzles
Common Curiosities
How do Mandrills and Baboons differ in appearance?
Mandrills have vivid facial and rump colors, while Baboons have dog-like faces and tufted tails.
What is a Baboon?
A Baboon is a term for a group of Old World monkeys commonly found in African savannas.
Where are Mandrills found?
Mandrills are native to the rainforests of Central Africa.
What is a Mandrill?
A Mandrill is a primate species known for its vividly colored face and rump.
Where are Baboons found?
Baboons inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, open woodland, and hills.
How large are their social groups?
Mandrills generally form smaller groups, while Baboons live in larger social structures.
Are Mandrills endangered?
Yes, Mandrills are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.
What is the average lifespan of a Mandrill?
Mandrills can live up to 20 years in the wild.
What is the average lifespan of a Baboon?
Baboons can live up to 30 years in the wild.
What do Mandrills eat?
Mandrills typically consume fruits, insects, and smaller animals.
Are Baboons aggressive?
Baboons can also display aggression, particularly when threatened.
Are Mandrills aggressive?
Mandrills can be aggressive, especially during mating season.
What do Baboons eat?
Baboons have a varied diet that includes plant bulbs, leaves, and meat.
Do Mandrills and Baboons share the same habitat?
No, Mandrills are primarily rainforest dwellers, while Baboons are found in more varied environments.
Are Baboons endangered?
Some species of Baboons are at risk, but they are generally less threatened than Mandrills.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
