There’s a catch to being a dominant alpha male, particularly in baboon society. Research indicates that, despite their high status, the top-ranking males tend to experience increased stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of glucocorticoid hormones. However, fresh studies suggest that their stress does not primarily stem from engaging in fights with other males; rather, it arises from the effort they dedicate to their mates.
When we think of the “alpha male” archetype, we often picture those who take the lead and attract the attention of others. However, being a powerful alpha, especially among baboons, comes with its own challenges.
Research shows that the top males in baboon hierarchies are among the most stressed-out individuals, as indicated by their high glucocorticoid levels, which are connected to the body’s stress response.
Interestingly, the primary cause of their stress is not the physical confrontations with rival males, but rather the considerable attention and effort they devote to their mates.
This insight comes from a recent study involving wild baboons in Kenya, guided by Duke University professor Susan Alberts alongside Catherine Markham from Stony Brook University and senior research scientist Laurence Gesquiere of Duke.
Much like leaders in the workplace, alpha males face numerous stress sources—such as navigating social dynamics, making difficult choices, and maintaining consistent performance.
Although alpha male baboons may not deal with corporate deadlines, their existence is anything but easy, according to the research findings.
To gain and maintain their dominance, male baboons must utilize their physical strength and combat skills to establish their position.
The leading male closely watches over his right to mate, vigilantly tracking females during their times of fertility and ensuring he fathers the next generation.
Since 1971, researchers have closely observed individual wild baboons in southern Kenya, documenting their social behavior and interactions as part of the longstanding Amboseli Baboon Research Project.
A critical piece of evidence showing the unique challenges faced by alpha males emerged from a 2011 study led by Gesquiere and his colleagues, which identified a noticeable trend:
Alpha males exhibited significantly elevated levels of glucocorticoids compared to their non-dominant counterparts.
When experiencing stress, the brain produces glucocorticoids and other hormones that mobilize energy, assisting the body in coping with demanding situations.
In humans, “this response is triggered by any challenge, be it hurrying to a meeting, completing a marathon, or navigating a tough discussion with a supervisor,” explained Alberts.
However, the specific reasons behind the baboons’ stress responses were initially unclear.
The recent study, published on January 22 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, incorporated 14 years of behavioral data from 204 male baboons alongside measurements of their stress hormones from their feces.
Findings reaffirm that being at the top is demanding. Alpha males had glucocorticoid levels that were 6% higher than their lower-ranking counterparts.
Additionally, the researchers uncovered another significant factor—top-ranking males displayed lower levels of a thyroid hormone called T3, signifying they were expending more energy than they consumed.
“Being an alpha comes with significant energy costs,” Gesquiere stated.
The study pointed out that it wasn’t the aggressive behaviors or confrontations that drained their energy. Regardless of how often alpha males engaged in intimidation or aggression, their stress and thyroid hormone levels remained unaffected.
“That finding was quite surprising,” Gesquiere remarked.
It may be the case that their conflicts with other males are too subtle or brief to impact them significantly, as explained by Alberts.
Or perhaps, once they achieve their alpha status, these males no longer need overt aggression to assert themselves; they can merely rely on an intimidating glance or a display of their teeth to establish dominance.
Instead, the research identified that the primary source of stress and energy depletion for alpha males stems from their mating interactions.
Both their stress and thyroid hormone levels—indicators of energy consumption—were directly linked to the time invested in monopolizing mating opportunities with fertile females.
According to Alberts, “They’re essentially claiming their territory; preventing other males from getting access.”
Being overly attentive to their mates can break up their focus and time, complicating their ability to seek out food.
Researchers noted, “They’re frequently interrupted.” They might begin digging for a meal, but if the female moves away, they have to abandon their search.
Over time, the toll taken by being a leading male can negatively affect their health.
Earlier studies on Amboseli baboons have noted that top-ranking males can show faster aging—evidenced by chemical changes in their DNA—and tend to have shorter lifespans compared to those with lower status.
Human social structures are more nuanced, making the implications for humans harder to discern, Gesquiere noted.
Individuals often inhabit various social circles throughout their lives, each with unique dynamics. A worker who may be at the bottom in their job could be a standout in a different environment, such as sports.
Nonetheless, for alpha male baboons, “stress certainly has enduring effects,” Gesquiere concluded.
This research received funding from the National Science Foundation (IOS-1926060 and IOS-1926040) and the National Institutes of Health (NIA R01AG053308, R01AG071684, R01AG075914, and R61AG078470).
