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Nature's Valley Baboon Guidelines
- Ina Brand
INTRODUCTION
During the last two months the perennial baboon problem in Nature's Valley has
escalated into crisis proportions. Several houses have been trashed, gardens have
been devastated and there are even reports of people being threatened. Since 2007
(and for that matter, long before) the NVRA has been working towards a long-term
solution, but we have come to realise that there is no permanent solution, that
the problem will keep on recurring seasonally and that we must develop strategies
to live with these highly intelligent wild animals in a mutually acceptable way.
The NVRA and the NVTrust have consulted with the relevant authorities like SANParks
and Cape Nature and more meetings are scheduled at which we hope to formulate an
effective long-term strategy. The authority in charge of managing problem animals
in an urban area like Nature's Valley is the local municipality, in our case
Bitou Municipality. Cape Nature has law enforcement authority over mammals in urban
areas, while SANParks is responsible for the animals within the National Park.
the National Park.
We suggest you report, in writing, any problems or incidents involving baboons,
to the NVRA or NVTrust offices, or to the CLO to make sure they reach the proper
authorities.
In the mean time, some practical suggestions and PLEASE instruct your families,
guests and visitors of the following:
DO NOT FEED THE BABOONS.
- Make sure your domestic waste is properly managed. * Keep all rubbish in tightly
closed containers like fastened wheelie bins.
- Make sure your domestic waste is properly managed.
- Keep all rubbish in tightly closed containers like fastened wheelie bins.
- Do not put your black rubbish bags out on the pavement on any day except Wednesdays,
the usual municipal rubbish collection days.
- Do not leave filled rubbish bags in your erf or on the pavement when you leave Nature's
Valley at the end of your stay. Rather cart them to the waste transfer station in
Forest Drive. When you deposit rubbish at the waste transfer station, please drop
them into the little building provided and nowhere else.
SECURE YOUR HOUSE
- Keep all windows and doors of your house closed, even those with burglar bars. Baboons
are extremely crafty and can enter a house through the smallest apertures.
- If you do have a problem with baboons entering your house or property there are
several actions you can take:
- Scare them off with loud noises like banging pot lids or shouting, or shoot at them
with a catapult (kettie).
- Drenching them with a hosepipe will also work but keep in mind that we have water
restrictions at the moment!
BE NEIGHBOURLY
Please alert your neighbours and the NVRA or NVTrust offices or the CLO of the presence
of baboons in the vicinity and try to chase them away, even if they do not threaten
your own belongings. boons, cute as they may seem, are dangerous animals and must
be avoided at all costs.
* Read the information pamphlets available at the NVRA and NVTrust offices.
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