Birth patterns in the Drakensberg Mountain baboons (Papio cynocephalus ursinus)

We present data on the pattern of births in the Drakensberg Mountain baboon population (Papio cynocephalus ursinus). Data from five troops at two diff erent locations reveal a seasonal bias in the distribution of births with s ignificantly more occurring during wet months (n = 32) than during dry mont hs (n = 5). The number of conceptions per month peaked following a number o f consecutive high rainfall months, providing evidence for the claim that t he proximate mechanism mediating conception timing is probably improved bod y condition associated with increased food availability.