Residents and stakeholders in Cape Town can now access the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan for managing the Peninsula’s Chacma baboons, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) announced, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The panel was asked to critique the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP) and its proposed action plan, which outlines sustainable ways to manage baboons living in urban areas.
Experts reviewed topics including the removal of four urban troops, limiting new troop establishment, use of aversive tools like paintballing, the northern baboon fence, a contraception trial for dense northern troops, dispersal of males, and recommendations for an urban wildlife bylaw.
The CPBMJTT stressed that the panel’s role was strictly advisory; they were not instructed to tell authorities what to do but to assess, critique, and suggest alternatives where necessary.
The review has been accompanied by a comments-and-response report prepared by the CPBMJTT to ensure transparency and provide communities, stakeholders, and the public with a clear record of input and responses.
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No final decisions have been made yet regarding the removal of the four baboon troops, including the Da Gama 4, the CPBMJTT confirmed. The task team has thanked the panel for their contributions and time in reviewing the plan.
Next steps include discussions with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG), which brings together local residents’ associations, academic institutions, animal welfare organisations, and community stakeholders. The advisory group plays a key role in facilitating collaboration and input on baboon management.
It was reported that UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre was meant to engage with the South African Government for further information with regard to the culling of 121 baboons on the Cape Peninsula.
Operational support, such as baboon rangers, the Baboon Hotline, and community engagement, continues to be managed by the Cape Baboon Partnership.
Residents are encouraged to join area-specific WhatsApp Community Groups for regular updates on troop movements. Summary reports on each troop’s health, numbers and movements are available on the Cape Baboon Partnership website.
The CPBMJTT has committed to keeping the public informed on developments and next steps in managing the Peninsula’s baboon population.
The review, as well as the comments-and-response report, is available here: baboons.org.za
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Picture: Greg Williams / Supplied
