Baboons live in large groups called “troops.” A troop can include up to several hundred individuals, which interact and communicate between themselves in a variety of ways. Zoological research revealed a complex social structure and hierarchy within those baboon “communities.”
One alpha male usually dominates each troop. In larger troops, there are several dominant males, each ruling a harem of several females. While females rarely fight between themselves, males often challenge each other for the alpha spot or for the right to mate with other females. The dominant male usually gets access to the best food sources and will enforce his authority on other males.
Social activities include grooming – cleansing the fur and getting rid of pests – which helps to establish and strengthen bonds; searching for food, and treating and caring for the young. When in heat, females' rumps swell and attract males, which begin to compete for the privilege to couple with the females. Upon reaching sexual maturity, young males leave the troop and attempt to join another.
