Removal plan aims to protect Cape baboons

Authorities are assessing the best methods for removing some of the primates, necessitated by their numbers, behaviour and deaths. By Esme Beamish

- Esme Beamish

The proposed removal of five groups of baboons from the Cape Peninsula has been met with mixed emotions and opinions. Irrespective of where you sit on the spectrum of opinion, being apprised of the facts is important, particularly as they pertain to the status of the Peninsula baboon population and the welfare of individuals and groups.

In 1998, the Peninsula baboon population numbered only 365 individuals living in 10 troops. At the time, there were troops with no adult males and local scientists were concerned that the population was at risk of local extinction. However, over the next 27 years, the population exhibited sustained growth and has increased by almost 70% to 618 baboons with seven new troops.

The removal of 121 baboons in five groups will thus reduce the Peninsula population to about 500 baboons in 12 troops, which is still a 37% increase from the baseline count in 1998, and with the addition of two troops.

Thus, articles and media posts suggesting the planned removals threaten the population with extinction are simply false.