Almost Human: A Journey into the World of Baboons - Hardcover

Strum, Shirley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0394547241 ISBN 13: 9780394547244

Publisher: Random House, 1987

Synopsis

The author presents her observations of the behavior, habits, and society of baboons in Kenya

About this title

Reviews

Anthropologist Strum was an unlikely candidate to study baboons in rural Kenya: her knowledge of animals and nature came from books; she lacked field experience and the requisite physical skills; and she had never yearned for adventure. But she adapted quickly to life in the wild, and her detailed observations over a 14-year period disprove the conventional wisdom about baboon behaviorthat their society is based on agggression and male dominance. She documents a peaceful society where friendship and reciprocity are more effective than aggression and females are the stabilizing force. This is an engaging story on two levelsthe baboons, of course, and Strum's gradual transformation from uncompromising scientist to humanist. There are interesting parallels and contrasts to Dian Fossey: both had problems with graduate students; unlike Fossey, Strum did not become emotionally involved with the animals, and she sought cooperation rather than battle with the natives. Strum also had support from a conservation and wildlife expert whom she later married. This volume is a worthy companion to Fossey's Gorillas in the Mist and Jane Goodall's In the Shadow of Man. Photos not seen by PW. Nature Book Association main selection; BOMC dividend selection.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For the past 15 years, Strum, an anthropologist, has been observing olive baboons in Kenya. In this very personal and engaging account, she describes behaviors and relationships demonstrated by the "Pumphouse Gang," a troop of 60 of these intelligent and socially brilliant animals. She also recounts her courageous relocation of three baboon troops. Most significant, however, is Strum's observation that baboons are a peaceful group whose success depends upon nonaggressive social strategies. Her findings, which conflict with an established model of primate behavior, have already met with controversy. This remarkable book should generate further dialogue. Highly recommended. Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0394547241
• ISBN 13: 9780394547244
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 294