大象传媒

Life in the open has its disadvantages. There are more big predators around, so baboons protect themselves by assembling in large groups. Living in big groups can cause social problems, and among baboons there's a complex structure in which males compete for females. When a female becomes sexually available, her bottom swells and becomes bright pink. All the males can read the message but she only offers herself to males that have looked after her during the rest of the year. This technique is a good way for new males to inflitrate a group, yet it may take some time before he is accepted by everyone. Even deciding where to sit is a political decision, and tempers fly when new males invade the personal space of others, particularly the intimidating alpha male. Managing these relationships is complex and stressful and takes a great deal of intelligence. Established males rely on a network of allies for support and have invested heavily in social relationships. Grooming and looking after babies helps the males scores points. No one will hit a baboon carrying a baby, so smart males use them as shields when they feel threatened. It takes a long time, and a lot of brain power to rise to the top of a large group.