What should I know about baboon body language?

Greeting: When two individuals meet, they touch muzzles or sniff nether regions as an amiable ‘hello!’.

Relaxed posture: A relaxed, upright posture with a soft body stance. It signals peacefulness and friendliness.

Huddling and touching: Leaning on another baboon, or gently touching is a friendly gesture that signifies affection or reassurance.

Social presenting: A submissive act in which a female or juvenile exhibits their hindquarters to another baboon, or sometimes even a human. It is a gesture of respect.

Social mounting: generally a response to social presenting. Though it resembles a sexual mount, the baboon has no real intention to mate. In most instances, social mounting signals friendly reassurance.

Standing tall: When a baboon stands upright and puffs up its chest it is a display of authority and confidence.

Pounding: Using hands or feet to drum on the ground or an object is a sign of frustration, aggression and a warning to others. 

Crouching: Lowering the body to the ground, often with the front limbs bent means submission and deference.

Defecating or urinating: A sign of fear when seen in conjunction with other fearful behaviours or when a baboon is confronted or cornered.

Running with tail held high: A sign of fear. 

Leaning forward: If a baboon leans its body slightly forward, with its arms extended and ears alert it means it is curious or interested in something.