The alpha is the dominant male in the baboon troop. He can weigh up to 40 kg and has earned his position by aggressively fending off other male contenders for the crown. He displays his long, sharp canines, longer than a lion’s, in a “yawn” and a loud “wahoo!” bark to communicate his social position. He is a gentle and caring father and will watch over and fiercely protect the females and infants in his troop. He jealously guards his right to mate with receptive females. He keeps strict discipline in the troop – when alpha males are killed in the mistaken belief that it will stop a troop raiding, it causes chaos within the troop and can result in smaller, less manageable splinter troops forming raiding parties. Troops are more stable and less stressed if the turn-over of males is less frequent, with long-standing alpha males.
