The Covenant of the Wild: Why Animals Choose Domestication - Hardcover

Budiansky, Stephen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688096107 ISBN 13: 9780688096106

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1992

Synopsis

Argues that most Americans misunderstand the relationship of people and animals in nature, and suggests that domestication is an evolutionary adaptation animals have used to increase their chances for survival

About this title

Reviews

Angered by the animal rights movement, the author, assistant managing editor of U.S. News & World Report , attempts to demonstrate that domestication of animals is a natural product of evolution rather than a human invention. Drawing on recent scientific research, he expounds the theory that since the end of the Ice Age domesticated animals, as well as mice, rats and other such creatures have been biologically motivated to throw their lot in with humans for food and protection. Therefore, when we catch a house mouse and release it in the woods or stop a farmer from docking the tail of a lamb, we arrogantly interfere with a complex evolutionary process. He claims that an understanding of the true nature of domestication should make us take our obligation to animals more seriously, but he doesn't explain how. This biased book offers little for readers genuinely concerned about humans' capacity to destroy nature. It does, however, provide plenty of ammunition for those who seek to discredit animal rights advocates in particular and the environmental movement in general. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A subtle look at the mysteries of evolution and a stinging response to animal-rights extremists, as Budiansky, a Maryland farmer and assistant managing editor of U.S. News and World Reports, debuts with this hardheaded examination of the whys and hows of human-animal interaction. Environmentalists and animal-rights advocates, Budiansky points out, tend to venerate the most romantic of wild beasts: wolves, whales, and the like. Budiansky heads for the opposite shore, making heroes of sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, and other domesticates that thrive in human settlements. As his title indicates, he believes that these animals are not enslaved by humans but, rather, are in partnership with them--for he sees domestication as a covenant, an evolutionary agreement between humans and animals that ensures ``a mutual strategy for survival.'' This win-win symbiosis can be seen in the reciprocal dependency of humans and a host of other species, including dogs (humans supply food and shelter; dogs help with hunting, shepherding, house- protecting); reindeer (who provide Laplanders with meat and in turn receive vital salts by lapping up human urine), and so on. Drawing on ethology, biology, climatology, genetics, evolutionary theory, and history, Budiansky pops some very large, very popular balloons: that all animals belong in the wilderness; that only humans kill for pleasure (the neighborhood cat turns out to be a bloodthirsty sadist); that all nonindustrial cultures live in harmony with nature (Polynesia, the Tibetan plateau, and the American Southwest each show signs of deforestation by native populations). Truth, he suggests, is far more complex and unromantic than some animal- rights advocates will admit. Ambrosia for anyone--whether in agreement with Budiansky or not--who appreciates the beauty of an argument that combines careful scholarship with common sense. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Budiansky, a well-known science writer, presents a new perspective on the animal rights debate. He counters the arguments of the animal activists with his theory that domestication of animals is a function of evolution rather than an invention of human convenience. Environmental changes, specifically the Ice Age, necessitated a cooperative relationship between animals and humans; without this cooperation some species would have been unable to survive. Budiansky finds the social structure of animals remarkably similar to our own, and we seem to share a mutual understanding with our domesticated animals. The list of references is substantial and current. This unique title will appeal to readers who see human attitudes toward animals as a factor in the study of sociology, anthropology, or philosophy. Recommended for academic and large public library collections.
- Debo rah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll. Lib., Rochester, N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688096107
• ISBN 13: 9780688096106
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 190