It is a win win arrangement, as associated males play godfather roles to the females' offspring, whether the real father or not. Holding, carrying, grooming, and food sharing involving adult males and infants occur almost exclusively with socially bonded males. Godfathers are quick to come to the aid of juveniles bullied by other troop members and also provide protection for their mothers. Low ranking females benefit most, as dominant females, attracted like all baboons to black infants, often handle subordinates' babies regardless of the mothers' or the infants' distress. The proximity of a big male inhibits them.
Males also exploit infant, juvenile, and female associates in disputes with rivals.
A lower ranking male can safely threaten and even dominate a higherranking one by holding out a black infant-it completely inhibits the other's attack tendencies. Alternatively, two adult males join forces to subdue one that dominates them separately. All intratroop rivalries are suspended when the troop faces competition from a rival band or has to confront a predator far from any refuge. Reproduction Nonseasonal, but conceptions peak during rains, when baboons are fittest. Gestation 6 months.