Bitou battles baboons
Bitou Municipality has launched control measures in its battle against baboons in the town and Nature's Valley and have employed four baboon monitors to assist with the task.
The measures have been questioned by local residents who say the baboon monitors are ineffective and that the measures being applied will not solve Plett's baboon problem – which could also impact on the town's tourism. In a municipal statement by communications director Andile Namntu, the municipality listed the measures to be taken.
Namntu said baboons are listed as a protected species in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance No 19 of 1974. "CapeNature is the mandated authority who authorises any activity that is to be undertaken regarding physical interference with baboons. This may include using paintball markers to shoot at them, trapping specific individuals and the bigger topics of relocation or euthanasia," said Namntu. He said local municipalities do not have the mandate to undertake the management of baboons. "However, the municipality should assist in addressing issues of public nuisance and appropriate waste management," he said.
Too close and personal
Whale Rock resident Rose Scott who has been confronted in her home by baboons more than once said she had heard of an incident where a human was bit by a baboon.
"They are not afraid of people and invade homes at will and pose a threat to the physical well-being of children and pets - as I have personally experienced on three occasions," said Scott. "They cause damage and destruction. It will frighten off tourists and discourage people [who don't] want to live in a permanent lockdown-like situation – keeping all doors and windows closed. Their numbers
are also increasing exponentially."
She said baboons trash garbage bins and disturb pets. "The single baboon in the Griz Nez/Rothersands/Skerry Vore area is one too many. The baboon presence has resulted in children not being able to walk to the beach along that route (or any other route) for fear of coming across that single baboon. I have been confronted in my home on three occasions – even when limiting the number of doors/windows open – I cannot keep an eye on the open door or window as I hang up washing or conduct work online," she said.
Having to hide
"Twice I was afraid for my physical safety – and even my life when I saw those teeth up close. Once I was able to lock myself away from the baboons until they had finished vandalising my kitchen and left. Once, my girls were stuck at home in one bedroom while I was in a meeting and unable to answer my phone. They were traumatised by this."
She said the baboons have stripped gardens of fruit and vegetables and even flowers, made marks on walls with muddy paws and vandalised her kitchen.
"I believe from posts on the baboon reports group that I am not the only one. They have scared our cats away for days at a time, creating concern that they have been injured."
Baboon monitors
Scott said she believes the monitors are not effective at all. "By the time they have been notified of where the baboons are, the baboons have moved on. With security estate entrance protocols and most affected properties in the area walled off, the monitors do not have free access to properties and are more likely to encounter physical resistance as people may mistake them as intruders. Humans are not a protected species – only the baboons."
Bitou Municipality said four expanded public works programme members, a man and three women, have been employed as environmental monitors. The monitors received "some training with the Nature's Valley ratepayers baboon monitors, and it will continue going forward".
Transport has been arranged and a seven-day shift system will be implemented. "The monitors will be placed in town when baboons are present. After a one-week period with no baboon sightings, the monitors will resume other environmental duties," said Namntu.
CapeNature will continue assisting in response to injured baboons or "problem individuals" and Bitou Municipality's law enforcement will provide assistance by responding to any home invasions, provide continued assistance to the monitors, and field calls of incidents at the control room. The law enforcement control room contact number is 044 533
5000.