Baboons and Humans Come to the Table

HAIRY CUSTOMER: "How long must I wait for my Cream Soda and slap chips? Photo Steve Pike

From March 1, the Shark Spotters programme officially assumed certain baboon responsibilities for the Simonstown and Kommetjie (Seaforth and Slangkop) troops after a period of controversy and conflict, which appear to be finally resolved.

According to Steve White, who is one of the representatives for the Slangkop troop on the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) with Bev Stevens, the last six months of 2024 was a period of intense lobbying “on all fronts, to maintain the baboon monitoring service”.

Driven by the adage a ‘wild baboon is a happy, healthy, and safe baboon’, White said a good outcome was forged between parties committed to the Baboon Strategic Management plan as part of the Baboon Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), which has representation with SANParks, CapeNature, and the City.

“I wish to congratulate all factions on this successful outcome,” White said.

The mandate of the Shark Spotters is to provide baboon rangers, manage the Baboon Hotline, conduct community liaison and educate residents.

The mandate of the Shark Spotters is to provide baboon rangers, manage the Baboon Hotline, conduct community liaison and educate residents.

In a joint statement, the CPBMJTT confirmed that the Cape Baboon Partnership has taken over the management of two additional baboon troops: the Seaforth troop in Simon’s Town, previously managed by the Green Group, and CT2 in Constantia, previously managed by Baboon Matters and Baboon Watch.

Shark Spotters bring extensive experience in stakeholder relations and human-wildlife conflict management, the statement said.

White reminded residents “to respect your neighbours’ opinions and be tolerant of them, the neighbours and the opinions! We can achieve more by dialogue than emotionally charged fighting and character assassination”.

After a quiet few months at the end of winter and spring, the Slangkop Troop returned to the Kom in December, but fortunately monitors were provided in December and collaboration between NCC and the Shark Spotters for the January and February period, after which the Shark Spotters absorbed some of the NCC staff.

White appealed to residents to “give the implementation phase your support and patience with the realisation that bodies of government are by nature slow moving as they are hampered by much red tape”.

In a recent article in the False Bay Echo, Sarah Waries, CEO of Shark Spotters, echoed a similar appeal after two months preparing for the transition.

“It’s been a busy two months, both in setting up the programme logistically and engaging with stakeholders. We have spoken to many members of the community with different perspectives on baboons, listening to their concerns and looking at ways to enhance operations where needed,” she was quoted as saying.

Waries urged the public to be patient during the transition process, which would take time: “There may be an expectation that now that we’ve taken over, baboon issues will be immediately resolved, but it is a process. We appreciate community support as we work through this.”

She also noted that due to a delay in uniform deliveries, baboon rangers are initially wearing uniforms from the NCC, Green Group, and other previous management teams. She assured the public that this is temporary and that new uniforms would arrive soon.

According to the False Bay Echo article, “the CPBMJTT oversee several key responsibilities. These include employing field management and baboon rangers and implementing an infrastructure programme to establish boundaries between natural and urban areas.

“They conduct baboon population research, acquire and maintain operational infrastructure, and engage with animal welfare groups, NGOs, residents' associations, and academic institutions.

“The partnership is also responsible for providing regular public updates, responding to reported baboon incidents, conducting public education programmes, and submitting monthly and annual reports on baboon management,” the article said.

Waries said: “We are grateful to NCC, Green Group, Baboon Matters, and Baboon Watch for their assistance during the transition period. Their support has allowed us to build on existing systems rather than start from scratch.”

The CPBMJTT is encouraging communities to support the Cape Baboon Partnership in implementing the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan, the article said.

For baboon-related incidents, contact the Baboon Hotline at 071 588 6540 or email hello@baboons.org.za. More information is available on the website www.baboons.org.za.

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