| Focus on baboons | Focus on baboons | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Focus%20on%20baboons%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassD859609DCFAD4ED1890B219B91414DD7"><p>Cape Town is well known for its Chacma baboon population. It is important that we all work together to conserve these important creatures.</p></div> | <span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT)</h2></span>
<p>In July 2023, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management JTT signed a
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Agreements%20and%20contracts/CCT_SANPARKS_CapeNature_MOA.pdf">Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)</a> between SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town.</p><p>Together, we want to develop a more sustainable management plan for the Cape Peninsula’s Chacma baboon population. The MoA helps us achieve this by:</p><ul><li>laying the groundwork for collaboration across the three spheres of government, </li><li> providing clarity on the roles and responsibilities of each sphere, and </li><li> outlining the collective and individual roles and duties required to carry out actions and interventions, when necessary.</li></ul><p>Additionally, it facilitates joint decision-making through the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team and oversees the implementation of the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CPBMJTT%20_Baboon_Strategic_Management_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Baboon Strategic Management Plan</a>. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Cape Baboon Partnership</h2><p>The
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Nature-and-environment/shark-spotters-programme">Shark Spotters</a>, under the banner of the
<a href="https://baboons.org.za/" target="_blank">Cape Baboon Partnerhsip<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>, have taken over some operational responsibilities, including: </p><ul><li>the provision of baboon rangers, </li><li> managing the Baboon Hotline, and </li><li> community liaison and education – on the Cape Peninsula.</li></ul><p>Their tasks include, among others:</p><ul><li>Employing field management and baboon ranger services for stipulated baboon troops </li><li>Assisting in the roll-out of an infrastructure programme to establish hard boundaries between natural areas and the urban environment where suitable </li><li>Implementing a baboon population research programme and employing a baboon researcher </li><li>Acquiring and maintaining the required operational infrastructure and technology to ensure an effective and efficient programme </li><li>Actively engaging animal welfare groups, non-governmental organisations, residents' associations, authorities, scientists and academic institutions </li><li>Ensuring ongoing and regular public updates via the relevant media channels that have been established in support of the Cape Baboon Partnership </li><li>Responding to reported baboon incidents </li><li>Developing, driving and engaging public education and awareness programmes around baboons and the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan </li><li>Submitting monthly operating reports and an annual report </li><li>Submitting an annual baboon management research report</li></ul><p>The CPBMJTT encourages communities to reach out to the Cape Baboon Partnership; and support their efforts as it is in the best interest of all stakeholders including affected communities, residents and the Chacma baboon population. </p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>Residents impacted by baboon troops are encouraged to join the WhatsApp Community Groups for regular updates on troops’ movements in their respective areas. Go to
<a href="https://baboons.org.za/">https://baboons.org.za<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> and scan the QR code to join the group applicable to your area.</p></div></div></span>
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<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/City-publications/publications-and-reports/environment">Access the baboon management reports</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Baboon Advisory Group</h2><p>The Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) was established as part of the CPBSMP at an inaugural meeting on 12 February 2025.</p><h4>The CPBAG represents:</h4><ul><li>respective communities </li><li> ratepayers’ associations </li><li> stakeholders </li><li> academic and research institutions </li><li>animal welfare institutions </li><li> organisations who have a direct interest in baboon management on the Cape Peninsula.</li></ul><h4>It aims to: </h4><ul><li>advise and support the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management JTT on achieving the intended outcomes as stipulated in the CPBSMP; </li><li> support its implementation on a local area level; </li><li> ensure ongoing and constructive engagement between the constituencies and the CPBMJTT; and </li><li> assists in developing strategic partnerships with stakeholders.</li></ul><p>The CPBAG plays a crucial role in baboon management on the Cape Peninsula, in particular in ensuring collaboration between stakeholders. </p><p>Read the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Cape_Peninsula_Baboon_Advisory_Group_Terms_of_Reference.pdf" target="_blank">Terms of Reference for the CPBAG</a>.</p>
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<i class="info quickstat"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>media releases<br></h4><p>View all the City's <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news#k=baboons" target="_blank">baboon-related media releases</a>.</p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Baboon Strategic Management Plan (BSMP)</h2><p>The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) published the approved Baboon Strategic Management Plan for the sustainable management of the Chacma Baboon population on 21 December 2023.</p><h4>Acccess the documents:<br></h4><ul><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CPBMJTT%20_Baboon_Strategic_Management_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Baboon Strategic Management Plan</a><br></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/BSMP_and_CPBMJTT_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">BSMP FAQs</a><br></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/BSMP_Public_Participation_Comments_2023.pdf" target="_blank">BSMP: Public Participation Report</a><br></li></ul>
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<div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h3>Public information sessions<i class="icon button-down-arrow"><br></i></h3><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p>
<strong>18 March 2024</strong><br><a href="https://youtu.be/XBvnhOR-1wE" target="_blank">Online Meeting Recording<span class="icon link-external"></span></a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CPBMJTT_Information_Session_Presentation_18Mar2024.pdf" target="_blank">Presentation</a><br></p></div></div></div> </span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Dealing with baboons – out and about</h2><ul><li>If you see baboons on the road, slow down.</li><li>Lock all doors and keep your windows and sunroof closed as baboons are highly intelligent and have learned to open doors.</li><li>Baboons may also enter a car through the windows to snatch food.</li><li>Enjoy the baboons from the safety of the vehicle.</li><li>Food should never be visible through the windows.</li><li>Pack bags and food items in the boot of the vehicle (trunk) or under the seats.</li><li>
<strong>Stay in your vehicle!</strong> </li><li>Avoid any close contact with the baboons.</li><li>Don’t feed baboons. This is punishable by law!</li><li>Watch out for red feather banners; officials place these as a warning that baboons are close by.</li><li>Do not throw items out of vehicle windows.</li></ul><h4>Picnicking or camping </h4><ul><li>Watch out for baboons when picnicking. Be cautious if you spot them nearby and if they appear aggressive, pack up your picnic and leave the area.</li><li>If a baboon steals your bag, never chase the baboon or try to grab the bag back. The baboon will search the bag, take what it wants (food) and leave the rest. When the baboon moves away, you can collect your bag.</li><li>Place waste in a baboon-proof waste bin. If one isn’t available or too full, take your waste home with you. Baboons raid dustbins and become used to human food.</li><li>When camping, store your food in a lockable box and camping fridge. Remember, baboons are intelligent and some may be able to unzip or unclip items. Food in your tent is not secure!</li><li>Try not to walk dogs in areas known to have baboons. Only allow your dogs off-lead if they are properly trained and obey basic obedience commands.</li><li>If you walk your dogs off the lead and they run off and chase or attack a baboon, call them off before the fight escalates.</li><li>Never try to touch a baboon.</li></ul><p></p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>Feeding baboons is punishable by law! Report feeding baboons to National Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline (24 hours):
<a>0800 205 005</a>. Anyone caught
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Baboon_DL_flyer_ENGLISH_2010-06.pdf" target="_blank">feeding baboons</a> may face a fine of up to R10 000 and/or two years’ imprisonment. </p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Queries and more information</h2><p>For more information and general queries related to baboon troops on the Cape Peninsula:</p><ul><li>Email
<a href="mailto:hello@baboons.org.za">hello@baboons.org.za</a></li><li>
<a href="https://baboons.org.za/contact-us/" target="_blank">Submit queries online<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></li><li>Visit
<a href="https://baboons.org.za/">www.baboons.org.za<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></li><li> Follow the Cape Baboon Partnership on Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: @CapeBaboonPartnership</li></ul>
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<h2 class="sectHeading">Reporting<br></h2></span>
<p>To report baboons in urban areas and/or injured baboons:</p><ul><li>Call the
<strong>24-hour </strong><strong>Baboon Hotline </strong>on<strong> </strong><em><a>071 588 6540</a></em></li><li>
<a href="https://baboons.org.za/report-a-baboon/" target="_blank">Report a baboon sighting online<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></li></ul> | | GP0|#7747b2bb-8e6a-4816-b5ff-9711354f8c45;L0|#07747b2bb-8e6a-4816-b5ff-9711354f8c45|Focus on baboons;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#18da33b4-b150-4fb2-9409-e82d667ad4dd;GPP|#553ce1f7-0fea-434b-bbc1-744edbd62039;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#e620d1e4-dddd-4e96-9530-640533d0df14;L0|#0e620d1e4-dddd-4e96-9530-640533d0df14|Focus on baboons;GPP|#5616b319-4d6d-4233-a91b-3c66c9a39b7b;GP0|#27a0c563-8735-4529-9837-df154fca3961;L0|#027a0c563-8735-4529-9837-df154fca3961|Focus on baboons;GPP|#c054577a-77b9-486b-9566-b8d2cb87c2b9;GPP|#df0a3405-0ca1-4617-8047-15a034219fee;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#f5688499-2ef0-4136-8baa-893845853017;L0|#0f5688499-2ef0-4136-8baa-893845853017|Focus on baboons;GPP|#0a4bd5be-45ba-4f29-9467-09eaac3d8884;GPP|#bdeab521-3d99-4e61-8a9d-b298f4037b2a;GP0|#61385a81-9faa-4168-a260-7aacdfadcfd8;L0|#061385a81-9faa-4168-a260-7aacdfadcfd8|Focus on baboons;GPP|#300ca186-e247-4dc0-8f6d-e7e5dbe0f50a;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#b2c1f15d-1360-4841-89c6-0593b6ec8ae3;L0|#0b2c1f15d-1360-4841-89c6-0593b6ec8ae3|Focus on baboons;GPP|#accad947-4ac6-4079-b2d7-f98553346e42;GPP|#184712e4-2ee9-4f2d-9e3a-71f917b536fa | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Overview of baboons, their management and conservation, and tips to avoid conflict. | 0 |
