A young female is lured away at about 2 years old and the male guards her until she reaches breeding age at 5 years. The other baboon species have a different social structure. Groups average 30-60 but vary between 8 and 198. The groups do not split up during the day but forage or rest as a single unit, although they may spread out on a broad front. Each group has many males and females, although usually more females.
All males are dominant to females.
The males in the group compete for rank. High rank is obtained through fighting or by forming alliances with other males. High ranking males have first access to females in season. Subordinate males may also achieve mating success by ingratiating themselves with females by protecting them and their young. Although males and females are promiscuous, a male and female may form a long-lasting friendship.