Shark Spotters have officially taken on key responsibilities in baboon management under the Cape Baboon Partnership, including overseeing baboon rangers and community education efforts.
Image: Erin Carelse
The Shark Spotters have officially assumed selected operational responsibilities in baboon management under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership since March 1.
This initiative is part of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), which includes representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town.
Shark Spotters are now responsible for providing baboon rangers, managing the Baboon Hotline, and conducting community liaison and education efforts.
In a joint statement, the CPBMJTT confirmed that the Cape Baboon Partnership has taken over the management of two additional baboon troops: the Seaforth troop in Simon’s Town, previously managed by the Green Group, and CT2 in Constantia, previously managed by Baboon Matters and Baboon Watch.
According to the CPBMJTT, Shark Spotters bring extensive experience in stakeholder relations and human-wildlife conflict management.
Sarah Waries, CEO of Shark Spotters, said the organisation spent the past two months preparing for the transition.
“It’s been a busy two months, both in setting up the programme logistically and engaging with stakeholders. We have spoken to many members of the community with different perspectives on baboons, listening to their concerns and looking at ways to enhance operations where needed,” she said.
The CPBMJTT oversee several key responsibilities. These include employing field management and baboon rangers and implementing an infrastructure programme to establish boundaries between natural and urban areas.
They conduct baboon population research, acquire and maintain operational infrastructure, and engage with animal welfare groups, NGOs, residents' associations, and academic institutions.
The partnership is also responsible for providing regular public updates, responding to reported baboon incidents, conducting public education programmes, and submitting monthly and annual reports on baboon management.
Ms Waries acknowledged that the transition process would take time, urging the public to be patient.
“There may be an expectation that now that we’ve taken over, baboon issues will be immediately resolved, but it is a process. We appreciate community support as we work through this,” she said.
She also noted that due to a delay in uniform deliveries, baboon rangers are initially wearing uniforms from the NCC, Green Group, and other previous management teams. She assured the public that this is temporary and that new uniforms would arrive soon.
“We are grateful to NCC, Green Group, Baboon Matters, and Baboon Watch for their assistance during the transition period. Their support has allowed us to build on existing systems rather than start from scratch,” Ms Waries said.
The CPBMJTT is encouraging communities to support the Cape Baboon Partnership in implementing the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
For baboon-related incidents, contact the Baboon Hotline at 071 588 6540 or email hello@baboons.org.za. More information is available on the website www.baboons.org.za.
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