Shark Spotters on the go with baboons from tomorrow
28 February 2025
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, is pleased to announce that the Shark Spotters will be taking over some operational responsibilities – including the provision of baboon rangers, managing the Baboon Hotline, and community liaison and education – as from tomorrow, 1 March 2025.
The CPBMJTT welcomes the Shark Spotters who will be implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, and secure and manage community resources needed for the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
The CPBMJTT is looking forward to working with their team who has a wealth of experience in community and stakeholder relations and human-wildlife conflict management. The Shark Spotters consulted widely on a new name for their baboon management branch, and has decided on the ‘Cape Baboon Partnership’ with the aim of connecting communities, authorities and the environment for the adaptive management of baboons on the Cape Peninsula.
The CPBMJTT encourages communities to reach out to the Shark Spotters and their Cape Baboon Partnership; and to support their efforts as it is in the best interest of all stakeholders including affected communities, residents and the Chacma baboon population.
For baboon related queries and information:
· Send an email to hello@baboons.org.za for any queries related to baboon troops on the Cape Peninsula
· Visit the new website for more information at www.baboons.org.za
· Phone the Baboon Hotline on 071 588 6540 to report incidents
· Follow the Cape Baboon Partnership on social media (Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: @CapeBaboonPartnership)
The partnership with the Shark Spotters is beneficial:
Being an NPO, the Shark Spotters can receive grant funding from all members of the CPBMJTT
The Shark Spotters can receive funding, sponsorships and donations from affected communities, businesses, the general public, and local, national and international organisations with an interest in baboon management
The funds will be used to perform selected operational tasks in implementing the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan, such as the provision of baboon ranger services, continuous public engagement and education, and research.
As from 1 March 2025, the Cape Baboon Partnership will be responsible for the following outcomes, amongst others:
Employment of field management and baboon ranger services for stipulated baboon troops
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, scientists and academic institutions
Ensure ongoing and regular public updates through the relevant media channels that have been established under the Cape Baboon Partnership banner
Respond to reported baboon incidents
Develop, drive and engage public education and awareness programmes around baboons and the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan
Submit monthly operating reports and an annual report
Submit an annual baboon management research report
The City, SANParks and CapeNature established an invaluable and historic relationship in the form of the CPBMJTT – the first of its kind.
The cooperation between the three spheres of government and collective commitment in ensuring the sustainable management of the Cape Peninsula’s Chacma baboons is a major achievement.
· On 12 February 2025 the CPBMJTT also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group who represents their respective communities and organisations in engagements with the three authorities on the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
We are looking forward to building constructive partnerships with the Shark Spotters, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group, and the affected communities.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management 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.
The CPBMJTT wants to thank NCC Environmental Services for their hard work and dedication over the past few years, and commitment in making the transitioning period as smooth as possible.
The CPBMJTT also wants to thank the communities and stakeholders for their continued support.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
