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 The Chacma baboons of the Western Cape evolved 1.5million years ago from a baboon prototype.There is evidence to suggest the Chacma baboon is the oldest of the other 5 species in Africa and have been on the Cape peninsula for at least 1million years .They have a definite role to play in the environment, for example spreading the seeds of fynbos and contributing to the biodiversity. They are one of few wildlife species left. They prune plants, harvest flowers allowing remaining ones to produce larger fruit, make space for rare plants enabling the plants to survive and by digging for roots they create little holes which accumulate debris and thus provide shelter and nutrients for plants to grow in. 70 percent of South Africans and 60 percent of tourists felt that baboons were an asset to the area, and thereby they generate in excess of R1.5million a year.
The Barrydale Ratepayers recently asked Cape Nature’s, Corne Claassen to give us guidance on the handling of the baboon problem in Barrydale:
"Research has shown that there is sufficient food for baboons in the wild. It is a mistaken assumption that it is necessary to set up baboon restaurants ‘because there is not enough food’ in the wild. Feeding baboons leads not only to their problem behaviour but also to an increase in their population growth rate. This means that by providing them food we create a bigger problem. Baboons feed on seeds, seafood, clay and very specific parts of over 100 different plant types, like seeds, fruit, nuts, roots and so forth.....
CONTINUED HERE.... The more abundant the food the bigger the baboon troop. If food is in short supply they form smaller troops.
They soon learn to become too lazy to forage for food when they are fed by humans and can also become aggressive where food is on display amongst humans.They are highly intelligent and not easy to fool and the only way to manage the problem is by training baboon monitors to lead the troops away from the residential areas. Naturally residents must not feed them thus making residential areas less rewarding for them. Do not leave food visible on countertops even if your windows are shut – this encourages the baboons.
Large fines can be levied on those found feeding baboons. Feeding at the roadside puts baboons’ lives in danger aswell, as they have poor road –sense.
Baboons are a protected species in the Western Cape and it is illegal to feed baboons, to trap, hurt or kill a baboon, to shoot them with a pellet gun or other device or even setting a dog on them. These offences are punishable by law and carry stiff penalties.Our SAPS OFFICE HAS BEEN MADE AWARE of the legislation and penalties so that they can take the necessary action if offences occur.
The SAPS CAN BE CALLED IN to eliminate a problem animal.
CONFRONTATIONS. If baboons gain access to your home do not block their escape route! You must make it obvious that you are confident and serious about getting them out! Never try to get food back from a baboon; back off slowly and identify the baboons shortest escape route and open windows and doors.
Coax a stubborn baboon out of your house by using a spray bottle of water, never use anything stronger. Baboons do not like the sound a whip makes and do not like to be hosed with water. Special fencing and electrifying fencing are other ways of keeping baboons out.
Make use of a baboon proof dustbin.You can buy a kit to attach to your black bin from MICA HARDWARE at VALLEYLAND, FISH HOEK (021 782 1131) for R29.95 or a new bin including the baboon proof kit for R166.95. Alternatively a Big Jim bin can be obtained from Pick n’ Pay, and then it will be necessary to secure the handles with a chain or something the baboons cannot bite through.
Cape Nature has left pamphlets for you in the Library!
We have requested the Municipality to render their bins baboon proof and provide money for baboon monitors which CROW VOLUNTEERS WOULD TRAIN FREE OF CHARGE!
Cape Nature will support efforts to get funding from Province if neccessary.
We also request your cooperation in addressing the baboon problem; DO NOT feed them and where possible make them feel UNWELCOME!"
Emma Schoeman: Chairperson BRA
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