Image related to website content

Update on upcoming transitioning period, Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group

29 Aug 2024

SANPARKS, CAPENATURE, CITY OF CAPE TOWN

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform communities from baboon-affected areas that options are being initiated to enable a presence of baboon rangers during the upcoming transitioning period. In addition, if all goes as planned, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group will be formally established next month. Read more below:

In June 2024, the CPBMJTT hosted engagements with communities from baboon-affected areas about the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP), its implementation, and the development of area-based solutions in cooperation with the individual communities.

The undertaking was to report back to communities about the transitioning period, which will commence at midnight on 31 December 2024 when the contract with NCC Environmental Services comes to an end. Over the past few years, NCC has been contracted by the City to manage the Urban Baboon Programme, including the provision of baboon rangers to keep troops out of the urban area and in their natural environment as far as possible.

The CPBMJTT can confirm as follows:

  • Options have been reviewed and supply-chain processes are being initiated in order to enable a presence of baboon rangers in affected communities in coming months
  • A short-term solution will address the December period as the current Urban Baboon Programme is winding down from the end of November 2024 onwards
  • An interim solution will address the transitioning period starting on 1 January 2025
  • The longer term options under consideration include a grant-in-aid with a non-profit organisation (NPO) or the creation of a special purpose vehicle to assist with the implementation of the area-based solutions and other tasks that must a) operationalise the Baboon Strategic Management Plan and b) ensure the transitioning to a more sustainable urban baboon programme which involves communities, as well as the parties to the CPBMJTT
  • The details of the longer term solution will be communicated once finalised

Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG)

The CPBMJTT received over 120 nomination forms for representatives to serve on the CPBAG and is currently assessing these.

The organisations and groups that submitted nominations that meet the nomination criteria to serve on the CPBAG will be informed of the outcome of their submissions and the inaugural CPBAG meeting in due course. The intention is to establish the CPBAG as soon as possible to ensure continuous engagement as we are approaching the transitioning period.

The CPBAG members will represent their respective communities, academic and research institutions, and organisations from the Cape Peninsula with a direct interest in baboon management.

The CPBAG is to advise the CPBMJTT on achieving the intended outcomes as stipulated in the CPBSMP; support its implementation on a local area level; ensure ongoing and constructive engagement between the constituencies and the CPBMJTT; and assist in developing strategic partnerships with stakeholders.

Annual Chacma baboon population count

The latest annual census of the baboon population has been concluded. This census provides a detailed breakdown of the changes in the baboon population between July 2023 and June 2024.

The report for 2023/24 is available as follows:

For more information contact: cpbmjtt@capenature.co.za

Share:

Related News

Cape Nature goes cashless at select nature reserves
29 Oct 2025
CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves

In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026.

CN Fire campaign
28 Oct 2025
Public urged to stay alert this fire season: Prevent wildfires, save lives

CapeNature is calling on the public to stay alert and proactive as the wildfire season gears up, reminding all that the cost of runaway fires is far greater than many realise. 

The elusive Endangered Erica cunoniensis rediscovered by Cape Nature
23 Oct 2025
Rare Erica species rediscovered after nearly four decades

After an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare Erica cunoniensis was feared extinct, but in September 2025, a team of conservationists made a rediscovery of this Endangered plant species, found for the first time in nearly four decades.

New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo image
16 Oct 2025
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo

A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Penguin Palooza Guest Invitation 2025 03 1
10 Oct 2025
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025

African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Spotted Eagle Owl Scientific Name Bubo Africanus
9 Oct 2025
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts

CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.