papions

The term "papions" most commonly refers to a type of baboon, specifically the genus Papio. These Old World monkeys are native to Africa and are known for their dog-like snouts, prominent brow ridges, and a distinctive gait that is often quadrupedal. Papions are highly social animals, living in complex hierarchical troops that can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, seeds, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates.

There are several recognized species of baboon, including the olive baboon, yellow baboon, chacma baboon, hamadryas baboon, and Guinea baboon. Each species exhibits variations in coloration, size, and social structure, though all share fundamental baboon characteristics. Hamadryas baboons, for instance, are notable for their hareem-like social organization, where a single dominant male controls a group of females.

Papions are intelligent and adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments from savannas and grasslands to rocky hillsides. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in proximity to human settlements, sometimes leading to interactions that are viewed as problematic due to crop raiding or perceived aggression. In scientific contexts, "papions" is primarily used to denote this specific genus of primate, distinguishing them from other types of monkeys.