Struttura sociale dei lupi - estratto dal libro "Parlare da cani" 
You definitely heard of "alpha wolf" and "dominant" and "obedient" also in dog , even where we speak almost exclusively of only the "dominant" and "obedient" (through ignorance, not for truth ethological).
In this argument, if I may, since most misunderstood subject and therefore less known: the "omega wolf."
The function of the "omega wolves" is specific and learned - as well as instinctive: defuse the tensions that arise in the group, minimizing conflict situations that could cause serious injuries among the members of the flock (imagine a group of hungry wolves in front of a carcass).
Starting from the first three weeks of life, the puppy "omega" is always at the center of ongoing litigation and learn quickly to draw attention to herself through the game, postures and a typical way that makes him look like the human concept of "clown".
experience so that it will acquire during the next period of socialization - which will set this behavior - will be crucial for his future life.
Wolf "omega" has been subject to neglect by scholars, who have had to revise its hierarchical figure in the last twenty years.
often called the "Cinderella" of the group, the wolf "omega" was established as such by researchers to the repeated removal from the carcass during meals, in place by the other members of the group. But
Looking more closely at the thing, especially in the free state, it is seen that this behavior, in fact, is justified by the need to allow individuals of higher rank can change position around the prey without having to fight with others, while giving way to choose sides - and quantity - than adequate to their social position.
After the meal, the wolves "omega" are rewarded with permission to access some fine morsels, especially in Serb held for them by "wolves beta" (in the next post we will see who they are and what they represent).
Despite appearances, then, the wolves "omega" SPECIALIST HIGH RANK and have a highly regarded within the group.
NOTE: The howl of the wolf "omega" is easily recognized by others for two main reasons: it has a wider extension and is more "harmonious". This feature
voice in moments of particular tension, can help restore calm when the wolves are - for example - on the defensive.
Wolf "alpha" - the great unknown
E 'the case of stress "great unknown".
The first thing that comes to mind of a human being hearing about "alpha wolf" is an image of a dictator the worst kind, used to manage the force - also improperly called "dominance" - his pride in a kind of totalitarian regime.
"The biggest" of the flock, the "meanest" or - even worse - "what goes hunting."
Not at all.
The social structure of wolves, first, provides an "alpha couple" - not a single element - it is placed in the guide herd, taking decisions relating to the welfare of the group and the protection of the territory in which it lives (from As for "territory" means a distribution area in which we are all the conditions of survival - food, water, shelter, etc...)
The rule is that the "alpha pair" is the only breed, but have also seen exceptions, especially when the species Canis lupus was on the brink of extinction, the historical moment when even the phenomena of hybridization proposed numbers significant.
As you know, the snout of Dogs is one of the most important parts of the body, especially at the level of intraspecific communication and hunting.
Among the special pair of "alpha" because there are so-called "signs of respect", coloring and very well marked lines which are a visual deterrent to members of other schools which may come into contact. The mantle of individuals
"Alpha" has a streak still very evident that follows the spine extending from the neck to the tip of the tail. More
are therefore the sharp contrasts of color and markings of the latter (especially the "mask"), the higher the rank hierarchy represented.
Especially in this particular muzzle is very evident.
The same applies to the striping of the coat: it is more intense and uninterrupted, the higher the social status of the wolf.
A recent study showed that the diet of individuals "alpha" contributes to the olfactory intraspecific recognition (remember that the animals are canids to Guidance smell ") in their capacity as leaders they consume the best parts of the prey, such as vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, brain), which give a more intense smell than other members of the group. Each individual, depending on their social position, feeding on different parts of the carcass so that the smell so it reflects the role.
The same study also shows that the food eaten by the different hierarchical levels affect the color and streaks on the mantle, in addition to the smell - as stated before - the animal itself.
alpha pair often expressed their reproductive rights howling, but when the female "alpha" goes into heat her urine stain of blood.
urinating above, the alpha male asserts his right to mate with her.
On the subject of vocals, in contrast to popular belief, the individual "alpha" gives short vocalizations - from low tone - in order to listen for any response (it is always to give him the boot for howl).
will once again be to him to decide if the entire herd must continue to howl or stop - being responsible for protecting the herd.
This leadership role will therefore require a long series of "awareness" - very difficult - suitable for the survival of his group, and therefore must be able to maintain and / or enhance the olfactory signals.
fact wolves only "alpha" can urinate by lifting the leg as in this way their urine - strong odor to effect as described above - can be sprayed at a greater height on trees and shrubs to define and defend the territory from neighboring schools.
A special role it has the female "alpha": huntress for excellence in strategic terms - not to attack itself (see later that "specialist" - and why - the assault).
This "queen of the pack" often prepares a series of drills before a hunt and refreshes from time to time, other components, the teachings regarding the balance and confidence to be sure everyone knows how to behave towards the cubs still irresponsible and in need of guidance.
First, the female "alpha" decides on the menu - and then to hunt its prey.
Unearth, for example, a leg of venison previously hidden after showing it to the specialists. In making this ritualization
show both the potential danger that the genus may be a prey, its weaknesses and strengths.
In the event that the specialists had to face the front, the female "alpha" will turn his head from side to side colpendoli ripetutamente, con la zampa tra le fauci, per simulare un calcio.
Finita la ritualizzazione, e rinsaldati i legami di branco con i vocalizzi, la femmina “alpha” si muoverà in una precisa direzione e secernerà una sostanza olfattiva dalle ghiandole poste sotto la coda che indicherà al gruppo dei cacciatori la direzione di caccia.
Se quindi gli individui “alpha” guidano il branco, gli “omega” disinnescano i conflitti e calmano le tensioni, quali sono i lupi deputati alla “sicurezza” e al rispetto delle regole all'interno del gruppo?
La società dei lupi – affascinante e complessa – è estremamente efficace nella sua semplicità; in the context of the roles and dynamics, there is a couple - when the number is sufficiently large - which deals with maintaining order and security of the flock: individuals "beta".
These wolves are easy to spot: They have a very strong streak that runs along the spine, but not continuous (as opposed to individuals "alpha") and have more morphological size of the other wolves.
They use their physical strength to deal with problems should they become necessary, relying on their temperament and their courage - as well as on their "mole", a special characteristic of their rank.
These individuals are the only ones to go in perlustrazione – o in avanscoperta – nel caso in cui, ad esempio, un branco rivale tenti di entrare nel loro areale di persistenza. I lupi “beta” rafforzano anche con segni di graffiature la demarcazione territoriale grazie ad alcune ghiandole poste sotto le zampe, dopo che l'odore convincente degli individui “alpha” è stato depositato sui confini.
Proteggere il branco è un mestiere che necessità di un grande investimento di energie, ed è per questo motivo che i lupi “beta” hanno il permesso di mangiare più degli altri.
Nell'ordine gerarchico (lo dice la parola stessa) vengono immediatamente dopo la preziosa coppia “alpha” - da cui ricevono le direttive - tutelandola e tenendola al riparo il più possibile dai pericoli.
Paragonandola al genere umano la potremmo definire una “forza di Polizia” - una sorta di “pretoriani”.
Gli individui di questo rango gerarchico hanno una tonalità di vocalizzo bassa – però mai quanto gli “alpha” - che aggiunge vigore e continuità ai richiami del branco.
Immediatamente dopo gli individui “beta” la struttura sociale dei lupi ha nel suo organico un ruolo poco conosciuto anche in ambito cinofilo: gli individui “intermedi”.
Chiamati anche “riserve”, questi lupi hanno – secondo le ultime ricerche - un udito più raffinato rispetto agli other members of the flock and therefore often fail to perceive the danger in advance by issuing a warning bark.
much more suspicious of the other wolves - and just rely on this characteristic ranks "alpha" and "beta" - the "intermediate" neutral distinctive signs that allow them to change social location in case of need.
example, when a member of the herd dies, they can assume a higher rank or role "specialist".
usually led by a pair of high rank, the wolves "intermediate" teach and impose discipline subordinate to males and females transmitting the directives of couple "alpha" received by the wolves "beta".
As the wolves "beta" even people "intermediate" with scratches reinforce territorial boundaries, but they do so in accordance with a deceptive strategy - but often effective - against neighboring flocks.
The specific task of "intermediate" is in fact to create the illusion that the group we belong to is much larger.
This strategy is put into practice in various ways, starting with your diet - extremely diverse - that their odor cues are never equal and thus create a sort of "olfactory confusion" against even of their natural competitors, get to use a wide range of vocals - always different and repeated - capable of making it very difficult to understand the real number of their group.
a result of the above, individuals 'intermediate' are undoubtedly the most versatile of the wolf pack.
Many times, reading here and there with the wolves, I stumbled in the debate on hunting and who, in the flock, is responsible for it.
In the popular imagination is always indicates the dominant male ("alpha") as the key element in the appearance of hunting, but so is thinking waive a rank called "specialist".
These wolves - including, as we have seen, individuals "omega" and "mercy" that we will see - especially in dealing with issues that require some skill and a particular attitude or mental health.
Wolves hunters, for example, are smaller and more agile of the group (they have a size smaller than about 30% and are almost always female), whose lightness and speed accuracy is symptomatic of the difficult art of finding food sources, especially when it comes to pursuing prey, broken or cut off the escape route and to entrust the final blow to the powerful male "beta".
within the range Specialists troviamo infine i lupi “balia”: quelle femmine o maschi (a volte lupi anziani) scelti dalla femmina “alpha” per prendersi cura dei suoi cuccioli ed addestrali alla vita futura, consentendole così di tornare alla guida del branco una volta finito lo svezzamento (intorno alla settima settimana).
Il passatempo preferito dei lupacchiotti è la simulazione della caccia ed è proprio il lupo “ balia” a fornirgli gli strumenti necessari per apprendere – attraverso il gioco – le varie fasi, quali la caccia d'agguato o le regole comportamentali intraspecifiche.
Quando il cucciolo di lupo comincerà a cibarsi di bocconi solidi, sarà il lupo “balia” a rubarglielo di Occasionally teaching it to defend their own food.
At that age, puppies are curious, exploratory and can also take food dangerous. The wolf "nurse" is also responsible - and above all - to pass on his experience "scolding" with growling vocals and those cubs that could ingest toxic (poisonous berries, dangerous animals, etc.)..
Another feature of the wolf "nurse" is to watch - like a sentinel - the den that houses the female "alpha" and her puppies.
While I do not like intrusions into the burrow by the other wolves, the female "alpha" allows each tanto al lupo “balia” di avvicinarsi affinché i cuccioli possano familiarizzare olfattivamente con chi si occuperà successivamente di loro.
NOTA: I ricercatori hanno osservato che durante la gestazione della femmina “alpha” i lupi tendono ad essere più corretti nei rapporti intraspecifici e ritengono che questa sia una strategia volta a farsi “assumere” dalla femmina “alpha”in qualità di lupo “balia”.
Hanno anche notato che nel periodo del corteggiamento tra il maschio e la femmina “alpha”, il lupo “balia” è sempre molto vicino a loro, quasi volesse dimostrare il suo equilibrio psichico e la sua lungimiranza.
CONCLUSIONE: "Alpha", "beta", "intermediate", "specialists". What
wolves is a wonderful - and effective - as a team - one of the most extraordinary I've ever seen - where everyone has the key role that allows him to survive and contribute to the well to the whole herd.
I believe that we humans have much to learn from them.
