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

BOCMA Capacity building Rhett Smart
3 Jul 2025 by Rhett Smart
BOCMA and CapeNature join forces to build capacity for sustainable water use

On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.

Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA Marine Impact Award Image 1
1 Jul 2025
Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Tegansmithphotography damaratrail 8
12 Jun 2025
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025

CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.

CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.

“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.