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...