Watch Two Fearless Baboons Show Who’s Boss by Chasing Off a Pair of Cheetahs

Key Points

• Male cheetahs became separated on a hunt and their calls attracted a group of baboons.
• Cheetahs may be predators but they also face aggression from baboons.
• They tend to avoid confrontation, especially with lions and hyenas.

Just when these cheetahs thought that they had solved one problem, they find that they have another. According to the notes accompanying the clip, this was part of a coalition of male cheetahs who had become separated on a hunt. Their calls to try to locate each other were successful but also attracted a group of baboons. The feisty primates launched two attacks and drove the cheetahs into the distance. Scroll down to watch the full video of this unique encounter.

How Do Baboons Interact With Other Animals in Their Environment?

This particular footage was captured at the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape, Africa. Baboons are hunted by big cats including cheetahs but they do not give up without a fight. For baboons, the best method of defense is often attack. They have long teeth and a strong bite – in some circumstances, they could kill a cheetah.

Their interaction with some other animals is as a predator. Most species of baboons eat both meat and plants – they are omnivores. Their typical diet is made up of grass, seeds and roots. Some baboons catch rodents and birds and will even take young antelopes and other mammals – including monkeys!

How Do Cheetahs Typically Avoid Threats in the Wild?

Cheetahs may be predators but they also face threats to their safety. As we see here, they face aggression from baboons and they can have their prey stolen by lions, baboons, jackals and leopards. Lions and hyenas also prey on cheetah cubs.

Cheetahs have a tendency to avoid confrontation – they certainly do that with lions and hyenas. It is called ‘avoidance’ and is a learned response. A young cheetah finds out from observation and experimentation who they can take on and who they should avoid!

Bluff threats are another tactic. This is where the cheetah makes a few short leaps or charges with their head lowered.

This big cat is also more social than some others and will live in loose coalitions. They groom one another and hunt together. When it comes to avoiding threats – there is safety in numbers!

Watch the Unique Footage Below!