But monkeys that live on the ground, including most baboons, live in groups that are more tightly organized. Several dominant males control the group's movements, stop fights within the group, punish group members, and protect the group against enemies. The dominant males sometimes prevent other males in the group from mating with the females. Scientists believe monkeys that live in trees have looser groups because these species are safer than those that live on the ground. The worst enemies of monkeys that live in trees are large eagles.
Eagles kill adult and young monkeys with their powerful claws.
Monkeys that live on the ground have many other enemies, including cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, leopards, and lions. These monkeys spend time in areas that have no nearby trees into which they can escape. As a result, they must be tightly organized under strong leaders so they can avoid danger or defend themselves. Monkeys that live on the ground defend themselves chiefly by threatening their enemies. If a cheetah approaches a group of baboons, for example, the leaders of the group gather together to face the danger.