Baboons are the largest members of the monkey family, possessing heads with long, naked, dog-like muzzles. Some species have patches of bright red, blue or purple skin on their face, chest, or rump. Depending on the species, baboons weigh approximately 14 to 40 kg with females being about half the size of males.
Baboons live in well-organized troops, and the individual is only secure within his own troop. Large, dominant males rule the group and are responsible for keeping order between quarrelsome members and for protecting the group from predators.