Researchers found that female baboons have a 'gold digger sense' and choose males with the best foraging skills.

The German Primate Centre's Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, led by William O'Hearn, studied two wild groups in Senegal and one at Nuremberg Zoo.

They observed that the females prefer males with superior foraging abilities.

One male per group was trained to open a special food box, making him the only one providing treats.

The females quickly gathered around these skilled males, grooming them and chasing off other females.

However, once the food box was removed, their behaviour shifted, suggesting that the females were primarily interested in the benefits they received.

While the females adjusted their behaviour towards the specialised males, the other males in the group remained largely indifferent.

Even though they also had access to the additional food, they did not alter their interactions with the capable male.

Researchers suggested that, in Guinea baboon society, males experience less competition for food sources controlled by other males than females do.

The study shows that these animals are pragmatic when choosing mates.

William O'Hearn said: 'They're not eyeing long-term skills—they want the payoff now.'

Tests began at Nuremberg Zoo, where curator Lorenzo von Fersen says the baboons enjoy the challenges. He said: 'They love the brain teasers, and we get smashing data.'

Deputy director Jorg Beckmann added: 'Zoos are research gems—loads of info you'd miss in the wild.'

Baboons are large primates of the genus Papio found in Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Known for their dog-like faces and powerful builds, they are highly social and live in troops of a few to several hundred individuals.