Why is rontu now not the leader of the wold dogs in the Island of the Blue Dolphins?

Rontu is no longer the leader of the wild dogs in "Island of the Blue Dolphins" because he is killed in a fight with the pack of wild dogs. After his death, the leadership of the pack is assumed by another dominant male dog who asserts his dominance and takes over the role of leader. This is a common occurrence in animal social structures where leadership can change based on dominance and survival instincts.