Mutual grooming functions as a strong social bond. Social behavior does vary quite a bit between and even within subspecies, and so do group size and composition. Much of this may be related to environment. Some baboon subspecies have been known to associate and hybridize with other subspecies. Such hybridization seems to have some effect on social behavior as well as appearance.
Baboons communicate through a variety of facial, gestural, postural, olfactory and vocal means.
Lip smacking is associated with affiliative behavior. Vocal communications are thought to communication specific information about the environment. Estrus cycles run roughly 30-35 days. Gestation time can run from 170-190 days with most falling around 180 days. Infants are born throughout the year though are especially numerous in October through December in South and East Africa.