On the Purpose and work of ALPHA-gruppen

About ALPHA-gruppen:  

The Norwegian ALPHA-gruppen (In English we would say "the ALPHA association") is an independent, nationwide society founded on April 14, 1999.

Our purpose is the dissemination of factual, unprejudiced information and relevant scientific knowledge on the timber wolf (Canis lupus) and a broad exposition of the various scientific/ecological and societal issues connected to the presence of said animal in the Norwegian and Scandinavian fauna.

In so doing, we endeavor to shed light on the many pressing questions and challenges that will come forward as the inevitable result of a reestablishment of reproductive wolf populations in Norwegian nature after a prolonged period of relative absence of wolves. Our aim is to elucidate the psychological, societal and practical as well as the biological aspects of the reemergence of the wolf in Norway. On the premise that the fullest possible knowledge about Canis lupus is a first prerequisite to a positive and informed approach to the animal and its natural habitat, we hope that many will visit these pages. We believe that by virtue of our motivation, knowledge and dedication to the cause we are capable of doing substantial services to this canine child of the wilderness, to the health of the ecosystem, and ultimately ourselves.

The pledge of ALPHA-gruppen:

We have undertaken to create a greater popular understanding and acceptance of the wolf's (Canis lupus) natural and rightful place in the Norwegian ecosystem, thereby also increasing the ecological and environmental awareness in the population. The purpose of ALPHA-gruppen is to work to give Canis lupus the opportunity to fulfill its ecological role on its own terms to the fullest extent possible, meaning that the species is allowed to spread and to live in the areas and ecosystems where it naturally belongs and to establish a sizable population which has long-term viability in accordance with biological criteria.

ALPHA-gruppen shall endeavor to:

Participate in a healthy exchange of experiences and knowledge related to timber wolves and to disseminate this information on the wolf through different means, particularly lecturing and writings, the latter to a large extent to be made publicly available from this web site.

Increase knowledge on wolves and wolf behavior by arranging lectures in schools as well as among people who are working with domesticated canines as instructors or trainers, and other groups of people involved in the management and maintenance of animals.

If you are interested in supporting our work:

We shall be deeply thankful if you are willing to support the work of ALPHA-gruppen, and if our furry friends had been consciously aware of your friendliness towards these much-persecuted beings, they also would have appreciated your kindness. We, on our side, want to maintain these web pages on behalf of the wolf and as a resource for all people who are interested in wolves. We also intend to hold lectures in Norway as well as distribute different kinds of wolf-related material. We hope to enjoy your support, enabling us to continue the work for this species with all our might.

All the kind souls who decide to support ALPHA-gruppen are proud participants in the important work it is to help the wolf in Norway, a country where this animal has just recently made its reappearance after a long period of obsessive persecution from humans, during which it existed only in exceedingly small numbers in the most inaccessible forest areas, and whose very existence is surrounded by myth, hatred and misunderstandings as well as an equal amount of great admiration, frequently unconscious.

As a contributing member of ALPHA-gruppen you will also receive our very special magazine, quite appropriately named "The Wolf's Howl." In this Norwegian magazine, written for the most ardent lovers of original Nature, we intend to publish stories about the wolf, its ways and its home in the forests, stories which have been carefully selected to convey the subtlety of the wolf's natural environment and depict what wonderland the wild lupine realm really is, always filled with adventure, movement and change yet also with the endlessness that lies in Nature's never-ending cycles playing themselves out in perpetuity in the mysterious depth of an unbroken wilderness.

On behalf of our wild friends that now run around in the deep forests, joyously and playfully albeit ever on alert, we sincerely thank you for your support!