Update on Voëlklip Baboon troop

The Voëlklip baboon troop has been entering the town on a more regular basis in recent weeks. This is due to changes in routes and behaviours resulting from fighting males, as well as permanent food sources in town.

A roaming male recently began fighting for dominance, which led to occasional splitting of the group. Although he lost the challenge, he continues to roam around the area on his own from time to time.

The main reason the troop remains in town is the availability of food, especially because of:

• Fruiting trees in certain residential areas
• Some residents putting out food for wildlife, including birdseed
• Some residents deliberately feeding baboons

Residents are reminded that feeding wildlife, including baboons and birds, is prohibited under Cape Nature Ordinance of 1974. This behaviour complicates management efforts, as constant food keep the troop to stay in town for very long periods and it becomes difficult to move them out again, even with intervention tools.

Please:

• Remove all ripe and ripening fruit from trees
• To fully-secure and properly baboon-proof vegetable gardens and compost heaps
• Not to feed birds and other wildlife
• And most importantly, do NOT feed baboons

To best manage these changes in troop behaviour, the Baboon Management team will continue to use the tools available to them. These include bangers and screamers as an audible deterrent along the edge of town to try to prevent the troop from coming into town in the first place, as well as other tools such as primers and gelblasters to move the troop out of town as best as possible.

Screamers and bangers are used between the town and the mountain range that runs the length of Voëlklip when the weather is favourable. These tools help move the troop up the cliffs and over the mountain, with no more than 3-4 used at any given time. Primers are used in-town as a less loud audible deterrent.

Residents are reminded that the use of bangers and screamers is in accordance with relevant permits and aligns with best practice baboon management, as outlined in the Strategic Baboon Management Plan developed by CapeNature and DEAD&P and used by other wildlife and baboon management organisations. Bangers and screamers have a proven track record for managing problem wildlife, supported by multiple peer-reviewed scientific articles showing their effectiveness in baboon management.

It is also important to note that the previous baboon management company moved the troop much further – well over the mountain and deeper into the reserve (although still within their natural home-range). The aim of this is to improve management: the bigger the buffer between the troop and town, the more effective it is to keep the troop away from the urban area.

To further improve success:

• Paintball Markers:
  The Overstrand Municipality has acquired paintball markers, and training (a permit and SOP requirement) is currently being finalised. These will soon be added to the team’s toolkit.
• More Staff:
  Approval has been granted to appoint additional staff. The recruitment process is currently under way, and we are hopeful to bring in experienced baboon monitors to support the already well-trained team. More feet on the ground will lead to greater success.
• Additional Training & Assistance:
  The current team received training at the start of the programme and continues to improve through ongoing development. In light of recent changes in troop behaviour, due to new food sources and the impact of roaming males, additional and refresher training will be provided to help the team adapt. Where possible, experienced baboon staff from the western region will support the Voëlklip team in the field over the coming weeks.
• Blitzes:
  The Baboon Management Programme (BMP) team will carry out blitz inspections to identify food sources in town, including fruit trees, bird feeders, and non-baboon-proof bins. Scheduled meetings will be held with these residents to educate and raise awareness about the importance of removing food sources, baboon-proofing properties, and practising baboon-wise living.
• Trimming Municipal Berry Trees:
  Plans are under way to selectively trim fruiting trees on municipal property that are currently attracting the troop into town.

The management strategy remains focused on keeping the Voëlklip troop out of town for extended periods, for the wellbeing of both residents and the baboons. Naturally, changes in behaviour, troop dynamics, and food availability are expected. The management team continues to adapt to these changes, as flexibility is essential for effective and responsible baboon management.