The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) has received in excess of 800 public comments as it works finalising its Baboon Strategic Management Plan (BSMP) draft plan by the end of September.
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The JTT, made up of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, signed a memorandum of agreement in July which the parties claimed laid the groundwork for them to develop a sustainable management strategy for the Chacma baboon population on the Cape Peninsula.
The JTT stated that after it was finalised, the general public and stakeholders would be involved in creating regional solutions.
“The intention is to operationalise the BSMP with specific local strategies that address the different needs, circumstances, resources and geographical concerns of impacted communities, to ensure these are best suited and most appropriate to their respective areas, and are supported by residents as far as possible,” read a joint statement, adding that it was also investigating the feasibility of fences in areas to keep baboons out of the urban areas and in their natural habitat.
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“The feasibility is based on the terrain, land ownership, available funding and the best return on investment, amongst others.”
Community meetings, aimed at finalising the engagements will commence next month when the JTT will present an analysis of human-baboon conflict issues in the affected neighbourhood or area.
According to the JTT, a report summarising the possible locations that may be considered for strategic fencing is being prepared and will be made available when completed.
The JTT added that it would be calling on recognised community organisations to serve on the Baboon Advisory Group (BAG).
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Picture: Jorge Tung /Unsplash