Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public. Read more below:

The CPBMJTT recently presented a proposed way forward with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP) to the Baboon Advisory Group. The CPBSMP provides the framework for the sustainable management of the Cape Peninsula’s Chacma baboons, and the proposed Action Plan which will give effect to the CPBSMP was submitted to a panel of experts for their review and critique.

The experts were requested to submit input on the following topics:

• Ecological principles for managing a wildlife population that is isolated within the context of an urban environment
• Whether the action plan presents a practical and balanced approach to wildlife management in an urban setting
• The proposed removal of four troops that inhabit the urban areas of Cape Town
• The proposal that no new troops be allowed to become established in new areas
• The emphasis on reducing the extent of and reliance on aversive tools such as paintballing, noise, herding
• The proposed northern baboon fence
• The recommended contraception trial amongst the northern troops where population densities are high
• The need to set upper limits to population numbers of baboons on the peninsula
• The proposed approach regarding dispersing males
• The Revised Guidelines
• The recommendation of an urban wildlife bylaw to offer better protection to baboons on the peninsula
• To provide an overall critique of the proposed action plan

It is important to note that the expert panel was not tasked with instructing the authorities on what actions to take, but rather to independently assess and critique what the CPBMJTT is proposing to be done and to offer alternatives where proposed actions are not supported.

The CPBMJTT recently received the review, and has prepared a comments-and-response report in reply to the panel’s input so that there is a clear and transparent record available to affected communities, interested parties, stakeholders, as well as the broader public.

• The review, as well as the comments-and-response report are available here: https://baboons.org.za
• It is important to clarify that no decisions have been made as yet regarding the proposed removal of the four troops and the Da Gama 4 from the Cape Peninsula.

The CPBMJTT wants to thank the panel for their invaluable contributions and the time the experts set aside in reviewing the proposed action plan.

Way forward

Next, the CPBMJTT will engage the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group about the review.

• The Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group is established as part of the CPBSMP and represents: Green Group Simon’s Town NPC, Southern African Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute (SAFCEI), Sunnydale Ratepayers’ Association, Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation NPO, Kirstenhof and Environs Residents’ Association, Constantia Hills Residents’ Association, Tokai Residents’ Association, Kommetjie Residents and Ratepayers’ Association, Constantia Ratepayers and Residents’ Association, Simon’s Town Civic Association (Da Gama troop), Simon’s Town Civic Association (Smitswinkel and Seaforth troop), Simon’s Town Civic Association (Waterfall troop), Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and iCWILD (UCT)

The members of the CPBAG represent their respective communities, ratepayers’ associations, stakeholders, academic and research institutions, animal welfare institutions, and organisations who have a direct interest in baboon management on the Cape Peninsula.

The CPBAG plays a crucial role in baboon management on the Cape Peninsula, in particular in ensuring collaboration between stakeholders.

Cape Baboon Partnership

The Cape Baboon Partnership is responsible for certain operational tasks, including the provision of baboon rangers, management of the Baboon Hotline, and community liaison and education.

• Residents impacted by baboon troops are encouraged to join the WhatsApp Community Groups for regular updates on troops’ movements in their respective areas. Go to https://baboons.org.za and scan the QR code to join the group applicable to your area
• Summary reports about every baboon troop are available on https://baboons.org.za for those who are interested to know more about the troops’ health, movements, and numbers

The CPBMJTT will keep the public informed on the way forward.

For more information contact: cpbmjtt@capetown.gov.za