How many mammals are monogamous?

This is a great read courtesy of Ask Yahoo!.

Dear Yahoo!:
How many mammals are monogamous?
Patrick
Washington, D.C.

Dear Patrick:
Not as many as you might think. According to an article on social relationships, less than 3 percent of mammals are monogamous.

This article from Emory University echoes the figure and explains that among animals, birds are by far the most monogamous. "Over 90 percent of bird species pair up exclusively to mate and rear chicks
together." Monogamy makes more sense for our feathered friends because "both mother and father are equally able to provide food for the chicks."

So is excess hanky-panky among mammals good or bad? Scientific research suggests that large mammals that are monogamous may be more likely to become extinct. "There is some evidence that hunters take more males than females from populations." This could result in fewer available males for monogamous relationships.

But family value proponents need not despair -- there is also evidence that monogamy is beneficial for some animals. {source: http://ask.yahoo.com/20061110.html }

What do you think? Is this an excuse for humans to pursue infidelity? :-) I wonder if the above answer will have a huge impact on Patrick's life. Only 3% of mammals are monogamous? :-)

The debate continues...

My Experience with Africa Unite

People are as different as the stars are many. There are those who spend their lives mourning and blaming obstacles in their paths as they trudge through life’s edge. On the other hand, there are those who define their own lives regardless of the pits that locales might present or hurdles that life in general has dealt them. The fact that geography has delegated them to a continent full of resources where the benefits don’t trickle down to them is nothing to deter them from what they set their eyes upon in a bid to better themselves and their community.

One such group is Africa Unite (AU). These young men and women are based in Kariobangi (North Nairobi past Buru Buru). We ran into them as we were covering the ongoing Nairobi International Festival for Arts (NIFTA 2006), which was brought due to the efforts of K-PAG and Crossroads Productions with the help of various organizations.

Most of AU’s artists hail from different ethnic groups, sport dreadlocks, and confirmed that they are practicing Rastafarians with a vision that goes beyond self interest to actually embrace the social problems that have gone unattended by the authorities entrusted with this task. Although living seemingly simple lives, they exuded a dignity worth noting as they danced to the latest Reggae jig that was blasting in the background. In addition, they radiated a joy not born of “media hunger.”

We found the group’s leader, Mau Mau, to be articulate, set and very clear on the goals they have laid down for AU. He informed us that some of the well-known acrobatic groups were spawned and nurtured by Africa Unite, which is comprised of two groups - acrobats and musicians. They also sell their own art, which is simple, while still very unique and appealing to the eyes. We were also informed that they have been in operation for the past 15 years having started off in Mathari. The Kariobangi grounds, which has been operating for the past two years, is their latest outpost.

On the same grounds, they train children who “drop in” after school. It was refreshing to hear the kids yell “fire” as the required password to gain entry into the facility. While on the grounds, we got the opportunity to watch some of these remarkable kids “show off” their skills for the camera.
It’s amazing to see what they have done so far with their scanty resources at their disposal. Everything they have is shared amongst all present.

So, what can you do to ensure that the Africa Unite dream comes to fruition?

• You must first realise that you are part of the wide “colorless” family who need to fulfill their role as partners, and who see themselves as playing a part in solving the many problems that exist, whether of our own making, or those we blame on others.
  
• You can book their spectacular services/performances (music, acrobatics, drumming, etc.) by calling +254 734-486069, 724-149105, 724-150080 or sending an email to AfricaUnite@Yahoo.com or AfricaUnite@AyoAfrica.com.
  
• You can either buy their products directly (or via AyoAfrica.com), or donate clothes, shoes, training mattresses (for acrobatics), sportswear, etc.
• You could also volunteer your services to either teach or mentor these children in a positive way so that they grow up to take up the reigns of the future founded on strong principals that will steer Africa from the current crop of politicians who operate on the principle of “me, myself and I.”
  
• You could also donate computers that you don’t require. These would come in very handy as we already have a group of people interested in imparting computer skills, at no fee whatsoever, to both the Africa Unite troupe as well as the children who patronize the grounds.
  
• You could help them set up a proper office. How? By helping to install electricity at their premises, thus turning the current makeshift setup into a permanent one.
  
• You could donate towards buying a piece of land where the group intends to set a permanent base both to live in and to also run their activities from.
  
• Most importantly, you can help by sponsoring the education (secondary) for these bright kids! Who knows, one of them could find the cure for cancer, malaria or the common cold.

But please remember this. These kids don’t need your pity. They are well-grounded, healthy, and happy to the core with parents who care dearly for them. Help to uphold their dignity as they endeavor to find their rightful place in Africa and the world beyond!