Conservationists oppose baboon removal

The Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) has strongly criticised the planned removal - and possible killing - of up to 120 baboons from the Cape Peninsula, calling it "deeply shocking.

- ERIN CARELSE

The CPCC expressed cocern about ethical, social, and ecological consequences.

This follows a recent announcement by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPB-MJTT), which includes SAN-Parks, CapeNature and the City of Cape Town, that five splinter baboon troops could be removed as part of their updated management plan, ("Cape Peninsula task team reveals innovative strategies for baboon management," Echo).

The CPBMJTT said options for removal include translocation, relocation to sanctuaries, or euthanasia.

CPCC chairperson Lynda Silk said the proposed action would affect around a quarter of the baboons on the Peninsula and has left conservationists and the public reeling.