What is it like being the alpha male?

Most of the time the alpha has proven his strength and capability by fending off other contenders to earn his place, although some alpha males may just walk into the job if the previous alpha has died or gone missing.

He, more than any other baboon in the troop, has the job of watching over and protecting the females and infants.  He also claims rights to mate with the receptive females in the troop.

He provides discipline, order and routine to the troop. The killing or disappearance of an alpha causes chaos in the troop’s cohesion, and can result in smaller fission group forming and the troop’s patterns becoming disorganised and unpredictable. 

His position is never completely secure and he can expect to be challenged by other males from inside or outside the troop sooner or later. He has to maintain alliances with lower ranked males, who will back him up if he is physically challenged.  He also has to have good relationships with the females to earn their loyalty and willingness to mate with him.

Eventually he will lose his alpha status, and will have to adjust to a new social standing.