The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team revealed their plans for the future of baboon management in the South Peninsula. PHOTO: Supplied
- Cape Town authorities have announced a new partnership with Shark Spotters to manage baboon populations on the Cape Peninsula.
- The partnership aims to provide funding and infrastructure for baboon management, including employing staff and conducting research.
- However, concerns remain about job security for current staff and the stability of the project moving forward.
A long awaited announcement on the future of baboon management in the South Peninsula, was made last week with a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Shark Spotters.
In a statement, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), consisting of representatives from the South African National Parks (SANParks), CapeNature and the City of Cape Town, said a proposed partnership with Shark Spotters was the most suitable mechanism to support the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
“The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral committee has supported a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Shark Spotters to assist with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan at its meeting on (Tuesday) 19 November,” the statement read.
The MoA with Shark Spotters, a non-profit organisation (NPO), will serve before Council for consideration next month, and if approved, the City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate will have the go-ahead to enter into an agreement.
“This plan envisions a sustainable and wild baboon population living in natural landscapes on the Cape Peninsula, with community partnerships and local solutions as being key to keep baboons wild and reduce human-baboon conflict.”
What would be beneficial in this agreement would be that Shark Spotters, as an NPO, can receive grant funding from the CPBMJTT partners; as well as funding, sponsorships and donations from affected communities, businesses, the general public, and local, national and international organisations with an interest in baboon management.
According to the statement, the City through the proposed MoA aims to contribute R9m in grant funding to Shark Spotters in the current financial year; R12m in 2025-’26 and R12m in 2026-’27.
In terms of the proposed MoA between the City and the Shark Spotters, the grant funding will be available for the following outcomes, amongst others:
- Employment of a field manager and baboon ranger services for stipulated baboon troops, from sunrise to sunset.
- Assist in the roll-out of an infrastructure programme to establish hard boundaries between natural areas and the urban environment where suitable.
- Implement a baboon population research programme and employ a baboon researcher.
- Acquire and maintain the required operational infrastructure and technology to ensure an effective and efficient programme.
- Actively engage animal welfare groups, non-governmental organisations, residents associations, authorities (NGOs), scientists and academic institutions.
- Ensure ongoing and regular public updates through the relevant media channels that have been established by the Shark Spotting Programme, and develop new channels as needed.
- Respond to reported baboon incidents.
- Develop, drive and engage public education and awareness programmes around baboons and the BSMP.
- Submit monthly operating reports and an annual report.
- Submit an annual baboon management research report.
While the plans for baboon management have finally been shared, many questions still remain.
“One can only imagine how hard it might be to keep staff feeling motivated through this turmoil when staff still don’t know their ongoing work opportunities,” said Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) chair Lynda Silk. “We are happy that the authorities have at last given us their plan for baboon management going forward.“Though with unforeseen turns and short notice those currently working on the ground waiting to hear how they survive, as well as organisations and communities who are invested in ongoing effective, stable, fully funded baboon management have been having a dizzying ride.”
