This is a diurnal species. The barbary macaque has a multimale-multifemale social system, although unimale groups can occur. This species has a promiscuous mating system. Females remain in their natal group with the onset of maturity, but males will disperse shortly before adolescence. There is a hierarchical system amongst group members based upon the matriline.
Males extensively take part in the caring of young which is unique among the macaques.
Males will also care for young that are not their own. For the barbary macaque this display is an affiliative signal. The barbary macaque gives birth to a single offspring. During estrus the perineum of the female becomes taut and can sometimes break. Burton, F. 1995.