The Langurs of Abu: Female and Male Strategies of Reproduction - Softcover

Hrdy, Sarah Blaffer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0674510585 ISBN 13: 9780674510586

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1977

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

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

Review

“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

“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

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1977
• ISBN 10: 0674510585
• ISBN 13: 9780674510586
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 386