Baboons
Watch this informative video about primates
JGIS Primate Lecture #10: Tales from Africa: Studying Baboons in Gombe with Dr. Anthony Collins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nR1Ttb_puU&t=871s&ab_channel=JaneGoodallInstitute%28Singapore%29
Tourist brochure.pdfGuest House Owners.pdfSharing our village
Now and again, some local baboons cannot resist the temptations offered to them by residents and/or the business outlets within the village. Please do not attract them in any way as this will only be to their detriment. Ask yourself the question: Is it good for them? To be in our midst, is never good for any wild animal. Respect first and foremost.
Should you have a baboon at your house, DO NOT PANIC! They are only dangerous if they feel cornered. Open all doors and windows to allow them to leave. NEVER attempt to take back what they have stolen from you.
Do not allow your dogs to chase the baboons – your dog will be the loser!
Cape Point Reserve - proposed fencing upgrades
The City of Cape Town, SANParks, and CapeNature's Joint Task Team (JTT), has produced a Memorandum of Agreement. A Media Release and associated report explains progress made towards strategic electric fencing on the peninsula. See attached/linked document. This includes a further round of public participation. We, as Scarborough TT Baboons, had assumed that the public participation and thousands of comments received last year by the JTT, would have sufficed. Apparently not.
Here is our position on the matter:
The Groot Olifantsbos (GOB) troop needs to be contained inside the reserve. To achieve action rather than further discussion, we continue to promote the urgent electrification and upgrade of the existing reserve fence, but, unlike the diagram, we also promote the continuation of that electrification and upgrade to the junction with Plateau Road (Redhill Rd intersection). This will greatly assist the monitors to keep the troop off that busy road and protect both the farms and houses at Kogelfontein.
The costs of this electrification/upgrade is to be shared between SANParks and The City.
The diagram in the attached document includes the Scarborough perimeter or firebreak fence. While this will contribute towards the best solution, until it's funding is clarified, it is unlikely to happen.
Why is this the best solution? Because it provides both the Da Gama and the Slangkop troops increased range and foraging, without conflict with us.
The proposed fence design is neither necessary nor affordable. An alternative would be the 'Dave Gaynor Bonnox' design. This is less visually intrusive and less expensive.
The proposed phases are:
Phase 1 - electrify and upgrade the southern reserve fence
Phase 2 - continue the same fence to Plateau Rd
Phase 3 - perimeter/firebreak fence for the full, proven solution.
All the fencing above to be in accordance with Dr Gaynor’s fence design.
Please see the attachment for the official press release and the links therein for the actual report here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Task-team%20releases%20proposals%20for%20baboon-proof%20fencing%20on%20Cape%20Peninsula.
SVA TT Baboons
Strategic baboon-proof fencing: A potential option
Watch the interview of Peter Willis with Dr Dave Gaynor here: https://murdockvalley.co.za/baboons/
For the specifics of Dave's fence proposal, go to 11.10 mins into the interview.
Given our long-term goal to educate residents about the whole urban-baboon issue, this might be a helpful step. Dave provides clear and fairly comprehensive answers to the main questions people have about the concept.
TOP TIPS to reduce baboon raids:
Only put your trash out early on Tuesday mornings to coincide with collection times.
Ensure that your bin is securely locked.
Warn neighbours when baboons are in the vicinity.
Install burglar bars on windows that you usually keep open.
Do not leave food on display at your house (fruit bowls, pet food, etc.)
Keep fruit trees, veggie patches & compost heaps caged, so the baboons cannot access them.
The Law: Baboons are protected in the Western Cape.
It is illegal to feed baboons and it is illegal to harm them in any way. This includes poisoning, installing traps, hunting, setting dogs on them, or keeping them in captivity without a permit.
Offences are punishable by law and carry stiff penalties.
Download the short but informative NCC document about being Baboon Wise here:
How-to-be-Baboon-Wise.pdf