The Langurs of Abu: Female and Male Strategies of Reproduction / Edition 1

by Sarah Blaffer Hrdy

Overview

“The Langurs of Abu will for many years remain one of the major studies of wild primates, both for its observational and theoretical content.” —Alison Jolly

Sexual combat is not a monopoly of the human species. As Sarah Blaffer Hrdy argues in this spellbinding book, war between male and female animals has deep roots in evolutionary history. Her account of family life among hanuman langurs—the black-faced, gray monkeys inhabiting much of the Indian subcontinent—is written with force, wit, and at times, sorrow.

Male hanumans, in pursuit of genetic success, routinely kill babies sired by their competitors. The mothers of endangered infants counter with various strategems to deceive the males and prevent destruction of their own offspring. Competition and selfishness are dominant themes of langur society. Competition among males for access to females, competition among females for access to food resources, and disregard by one female for the well-being of another’s infant—these are some very common examples. Yet there are also moments of heroic self-sacrifice, as when an elderly female rushes to defend her troop and its babies from an invading, infancticidal male.

The Langurs of Abu is the first book to analyze behavior of wild primates from the standpoint of both sexes. It is also a poignant and sophisticated exploration of primate behavior patterns from a feminist point of view. This book may inspire controversy; it will certainly be read with pleasure by anyone interested in animal behavior.

Richly illustrated with photographs, seven in full color.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674510586
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1980
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	361
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Sarah Blaffer Hrdy is Professor Emerita of Anthropology at the University of California, Davis.

Editorial Reviews

Seldom in a field report have new facts, information from the literature, and theory been so well integrated, the data so lucidly presented, and the text so skillfully written. Since ‘the langur saga may unmask misconceptions about ourselves,’ it is hoped that Hrdy will reach a broad audience. The Langurs of Abu is the best book on primates I have read.

George B. Schallern Scientist

The Langurs of Abu will for many years remain one of the major studies of wild primates, both for its observational and theoretical content.

Alison Jolly

The Langurs of Abu is one of the first attempts to apply sociobiological theory to the behavior and social structure of wild primates…A readable, well-illustrated account of langur social behavior and reproduction that is filled with interesting data and hypotheses.

Science - James Loy

Seldom in a field report have new facts, information from the literature, and theory been so well integrated, the data so lucidly presented, and the text so skillfully written. Since ‘the langur saga may unmask misconceptions about ourselves,’ it is hoped that Hrdy will reach a broad audience. The Langurs of Abu is the best book on primates I have read.

George B. Schaller

The Langurs of Abu will for many years remain one of the major studies of wild primates, both for its observational and theoretical content.

Allison Jolly