Baboons are only found in Africa. They are the best adapted of all monkeys to a terrestrial life, the Hamadryas being the most terrestrial. Baboons live in a wide range of habitats including open habitats. But they require rocky cliffs or tall trees to sleep in at night and access to water. Only a few are forest dwellers, such as the Guinea baboon from West Africa.
Baboons eat a wide variety of food, generally whatever is in abundance.
They prefer fruit, but when this is not available, will eat less nutritious but abundant food. The Yellow baboon is particularly adapted to seeds with unusual chemistry which other creatures find less palatable. They may also dig up tubers and they can survive on roots and bulbs alone. Their long, dog-like jaws have large molars which efficiently grind up such tough food. They also have cheek pouches to stuff food into.