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Global Animal Guide

How Fast Is An Olive Baboon?

Olive baboon troop on savanna

Quick answer

An olive baboon can reach about Up to 45 km/h (28 mph) in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (15–30 kg (33–66 lb); males twice female size) all change the number you would measure.

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Key takeaway

An olive baboon can reach up to about 45 km/h (28 mph) in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (15–30 kg (33–66 lb); males twice female size) all change the number you would measure.

Olive Baboon top speed

Published estimates put olive baboon speed near Up to 45 km/h (28 mph). These are usually peak sprint figures, not cruising speeds held for long distances across Savannas, woodlands, and rocky hills of equatorial Africa.

Sprint versus endurance

Most animals accelerate hard for capture or escape, then recover. Open ground favours higher recorded speeds; dense cover favours agility over raw pace.

Anatomy behind olive baboon speed

Limb proportions, muscle fibre mix, and mass (15–30 kg (33–66 lb); males twice female size) shape acceleration and top end. Heavier individuals may hit hard but tire sooner.

Reading speed claims

Methods differ (radar, filming, anecdote). Prefer ranges from recent field studies over viral single numbers, and never try to outrun wildlife.

Conservation and coexistence

Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild olive baboons.

Human interest and research

Olive Baboons feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.

Sources

Olive Baboon FAQs

How fast is an olive baboon?

An olive baboon can reach up to about 45 km/h (28 mph) in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (15–30 kg (33–66 lb); males twice female size) all change the number you would measure.

What is the scientific name of the olive baboon?

Papio anubis — used in research and conservation listings for olive baboons.

What do olive baboons eat?

Olive Baboons eat grasses, seeds, insects, small mammals, and crops, with seasonal and regional variation in Savannas, woodlands, and rocky hills of equatorial Africa.

Where do olive baboons live?

They are associated with Savannas, woodlands, and rocky hills of equatorial Africa. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of olive baboons?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

Keep exploring the Olive Baboon