The Pringle Bay Baboons Facebook group welcomed a new little baboon into the troop and hope to see it flourish by educating the public about the species.
Pringle Bay, Western Cape – When people think of baboons they instantly think of menacing gangs of monkeys, but Pringle Bay Baboons Facebook group is desperately working to educate the public and work to create harmonious coexistence.
They have many effective tools which humans can use as a way to manage the baboon presence. They have monitors who work to keep the baboons in the mountains and out of town, but should they be spotted in town, the group ask to be contacted so that they can handle the situation humanely.
‘The monitors aim to keep the baboon troop on the mountain and out of the village. They patrol the area on bicycles and also assist with removal of alien invasive vegetation, maintenance of beach access paths and waste management in the village centre. They are identifiable by their fluorescent vests and identity cards. The monitor programme provides job opportunities for the local community.
The alpha male and female have been collared to track their movement, thereby enhancing our monitoring capability.’
The group even have a Whatsapp group for updates, tips and fast and practical assistance to residents. They rely entirely on the support of locals and visitors to keep the troop safe and do so with the help of volunteers and funding from the residents. They have collection boxes in the village centre shops for spare change which helps, and they also have SnapScan and accept EFT as well (full details here).
Recently the group spotted a new addition to their troop, a sweet little baby baboon.
The Facebook group celebrated the new life and said they look forward to the baby’s growth. They are not sure if the new addition is a little boy or girl as the mother kept it close under her arm but hope to update their followers soonest.
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