CULLING PROTOCOL TARGETING BABOONS

The baboon may now also be far away from his natal troop which he could have naturally returned to of his own accord.  In nature, dispersing to another troop may be a lengthy process, something the protocol attempts to unrealistically hasten by allowing  one attempt at integration in a distant troop where he will most likely be seen as an intruder and fought off.   Additionally baboons may disperse a number of times during their lifetime eg WIlliam started in the Da Gama Park troop, naturally dispersed to Kommetjie,  then to Scarborough.

While it  may be  claimed the baboons are given another opportunity to make a "choice" of joining a new troop before being killed, if the odds are against them joining, this third option is not a viable option.  Relocating a baboon far from its natal troop more than likely means he will again pass through urban areas.  He also becomes more vulnerable when away from the protection of the troop.

According to the protocol on the 4th capture he can be captured and killed.  However, the protocol also says the baboon can be killed from the second capture, which some see could be adopted as the easiest and cheapest "solution". 

It is of note that the protocol  also allows an option for sanctuary on the 4th and final capture. The protocol was officially implemented in August.  BRU co-founder, Julian Saunders publically broached the idea of a sanctuary/safari park as "the obvious solution" in a local newspaper in October,  saying it's primary objective would be education regarding the plight of baboons. (He had broached the idea to other BRU members several years ago.)

Saunders' envisaged sanctuary would have limited occupancy and also concentrate on the plight of other baboons in Africa so it cannot be seen in any way as coming to the aid of the Peninsula free-ranging baboons, ironically, currently threatened in the first place by the protocol.  

He presented the argument of working for "the greater good" and saving the species.  This is not really applicable in the case of the Peninsula baboons where it is important to save the individuals of this already endangered population, lest troops diminish to the point of being unviable. 

Caring for the individual of a small "critically endangered" population includes not simply killing animals because they are coming into the urban area from time to time, especially when human responsibility can prevent raids.  It also includes giving assistance to seriously injured animals. 

If the view is held that the Peninsula baboons can simply be replaced with baboons from elsewhere, the approach of the individual being of secondary importance would make sense, although is far from understandable.

BRU has publically stated it regards the map of baboon home ranges they have prepared as "the most significant contribution to management and conservation of baboons in the Peninsula" yet ironically, the protocol they endorse could be seen as the most significant threat to baboons in the Peninsula.  The maps were presented as a means to protect the baboon's home ranges from urban development, yet what  seems more apparent is that the unit is focusing on urban areas being  protected from baboons intrusion.  Dr O'Riain shares the view of some residents lobbying for the total removal of baboons from urban areas.

The protocol is similarly biased against natural behaviour of the rest of the baboons - eating available food. 

While some residents resent or even hate the baboons and may injure and kill them, other residents co-exist with baboons harmoniously and even enjoy their occasional visits to residential areas  as a privilege of living in a more natural surrounding, also tolerant because they understand habitat has been reduced.   These residents have learned to take security measures that prevent raids, consequently reducing or eliminating potential conflict - i.e. securing bins and houses by consistent, effective baboon-proofing means baboons will not raid them.  

Baboons have raided in the Cape for numerous years, attracted by food made available deliberately or negligently by residents and tourists. Their raiding behaviour was recorded at the time of Van Riebeeck's arrival in the Cape, there are newspaper reports in the 1930's and 50'sof baboon-human interaction related to food on the road to Cape Point.

There is nothing new in that behaviour as some residents tried to make out in 2009, also saying baboons are "increasingly aggressive",  an attempt to make authorities take drastic action such as culling the already endangered Peninsula baboons.   

It should be pointed out that there has long been an organized anti-baboon lobby in certain areas who want baboons totally removed from urban areas, admitting to putting pressure on authorities with fear-mongering stories of  baboons' potential threat to human safety "in the future".  (It should be noted that "man's best friend" the dog, more regularly poses a threat to both human and baboon safety.  While the leopard may not prey on the urban baboons, baboons are certainly injured and killed by dogs.)

The introduction of the protocol in August  followed on some residents' public protests and meetings  in May 2009, Simonstown residents forming a group to "chase" baboons out with bullwhips and bearbangers in June, the baboon expert workshop hosted by the City and CapeNature and the appointment of a new interim service provider by the BMT amidst allegations of a flawed process in July.

The preparation of the protocol by BRU occurred in August,  bull whips were introduced for monitoring in September and objected to by the SPCA, the trapping of a "repeat raider" in October after complaints by a shop-owner who like some residents refuses to baboon-proof,  but instead blames the baboons.  In November Anele, one of the first baboons tagged, died when he was ridden over by a resident.  BRU denied for several months that it was him.   Bart was supposedly also knocked down yet no body was found. It is extremely difficult to obtain either any, or credible and non-conflicting information about the baboons. Under the circumstances, with culling protocols in place, this is seen as aiding transparency.

The Simonstown Civic Association, who had originally put pressure on the authorities in 2009 in a February 2010 newsletter wrote that they were in the process of forming a civic baboon oversight group {BLG} to "push for all baboons near residential areas to be actively and humanely managed (being kept out of residential areas 100% of the time). The STCA is involved in the establishment of this oversight group and will continue to put pressure on the authorities to accelerate the broadening of management to all baboon troops."

People can live for numerous years even in the same streets where there is most discontent about baboon presence because they take the right security measures.  Unfortunately, others are less tolerant and cause permanent injury or death to the animals from old to young, male or female.

The "Action plan for dispersing males and/or repeat raiders" as "prepared by BRU" in August 2009 and subsequently endorsed and defended by them as not being a "culling protocol" despite all evidence to the contrary, is fatally flawed and unfairly targets Cape Town's baboons, considered to be a "major asset" of the City and a popular tourist attraction.