Meet Kommetjie’s new baboon liaison
Odette Howell has taken on the role of Kommetjie’s baboon liaison for the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG), and will be representing the village at CPBAG meetings which include local residents and ratepayers’ associations, animal welfare organisations, and the the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town).
KRRA spoke to Odette to find out more about her and what she hopes to achieve in the role.
Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you lived in Kommetjie, and what do you enjoy most about living alongside the wildlife on the peninsula?
I’ve lived in Kommetjie since 2010, and our home backs directly onto the mountain, so baboons have been a regular part of our lives. I enjoy being so close to nature and having the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment. Living here has taught me that sharing our space with wildlife requires awareness, a little adaptation and an understanding of animal behaviour. I think it’s one of the things that makes living in Kommetjie special.
What prompted you to take on the role of Kommetjie’s volunteer representative on CPBAG?
Having lived alongside baboons for many years, I’ve developed a practical understanding of what it takes to coexist with them. I’ve also seen how frustrating and emotive the issue can be for residents. I felt I could contribute by helping improve communication between the community and those responsible for baboon management, ensuring residents’ concerns are heard and that information flows both ways.
What do you hope to contribute to the conversation about human-baboon coexistence through your role?
I hope to bring a calm, practical and balanced perspective to the conversation. In my own experience, remaining calm, being aware of when baboons are around, and taking sensible preventative measures can make a real difference. I also recognise that residents have legitimate concerns, particularly when baboons enter their homes or cause damage. I’d like to help encourage a more constructive conversation in which people feel heard, practical solutions are explored, and both community safety and the welfare of the baboons are taken seriously.
How can Kommetjie residents share their experiences, concerns or ideas with you?
Residents are welcome to contact me at kombobbejaan@gmail.com I’d like to hear about their experiences, concerns and suggestions, whether they relate to baboon encounters, practical challenges or ideas for improving coexistence. I can then help communicate these to the appropriate people through the relevant channels. I hope to be an approachable point of contact for the community.
More about the CPBAG Liaison Appointment Process
KRRA requested volunteer applications via a standardised application form to understand how applicants would approach different aspects of the Liaison role.
Volunteer applications were open for around one month.
Applications were name-blinded and reviewed separately by three members of KRRA with no conferring.
A Standardised Review Matrix was developed to support consistent review of applications.
The review results combined to give an overall outcome prior to appointment.
Comments