SOME RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT BABOONS (the furry kind) INVADING CONSTANTIA.
Did you know that the baboons that one sees around the South Peninsula area are a protected species? There are approximately 380 baboons split into 14 troops – one of which has chosen parts of Constantia as their foraging area. The animals are part of what is called ‘The Tokai Troop’ and are frequently seen along Orpen, Spaanschemat River, Firgrove and Willow Roads. Some are also seen in the high areas of Price Drive. Although they are protected they are now on the ‘threatened’ list, because conflict between baboons and humans is rife which leads to deaths and horrible injuries. While there are reasons why humans panic at the sight of baboons in residential areas, they should perhaps think about why they are there.Troops were, in the past, free to roam and forage across huge areas but their habitat has been severely constrained by human development and they now find themselves contained in within a semi-urban island which has reduced their food sources.
So, before you put your dogs on to ‘invading’ baboons, or attempt to harm them in any way, telephone 021-782 2015 for assistance. For further information or to find out how you can prevent house invasions and overturned rubbish bins phone the Baboon Research Unit on (021) 650 3645.
