Authorities need to step up and humanely solve the baboon problem - Ecologist

John Maytham speaks with Professor Justin O’ Riain, Behavioural Ecologist.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

Baboons are a part of the ecosystem of the Western Cape.

Unfortunately, they have become a nuisance for residents of the Cape Peninsula area.

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Several people have been affected by baboons breaking into and destroying their homes.

On Sunday (4 August), there was a clash between angry residents and animal activists in Kommetjie over the issue of the baboons.

One baboon was badly injured after being pepper sprayed and running into an electric fence in its confusion.

O’ Riain says good management and governance is essential in finding a solution that works for the people and the baboons.

“Things are just going to get worse until authorities step up, step in, and provide the solutions.”

- Justin O’ Riain, Behavioural Ecologist

Having baboons in residential areas poses a huge risk to them and residents.

O’ Riain says Baboon proof fences can provide a huge amount of relief to residents without distressing the baboons.

In addition to this, rangers with paintball guns also made the cost of entering urban areas too high for the baboons which deterred them.

If baboons cannot be deterred by non-lethal methods, O’ Riain says they must either be moved to a sanctuary or humanely killed.

“Do you want a humanely killed baboon or are you going to let it come into an urban area and die inhumanely.”

- Justin O’ Riain, Behavioural Ecologist

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.