Chacma baboons feed as juveniles play on a car during a raid on refuse bins by a troop foraging in the residential neighbourhood of Capri. Picture: Reuters
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) says processes are underway to secure the services of baboon rangers for December, including the upcoming transition period as the NCC Environmental Services contract comes to an end.
In June 2024, the CPBMJTT, consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City, hosted engagements with communities from baboon-affected areas about the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP), its implementation and the development of area-based solutions in cooperation with the communities.
“During these meetings residents raised concerns about the contract with NCC Environmental Services coming to an end by 31 December 2024.
“NCC has been contracted by the City to manage the Urban Baboon Programme, including the provision of baboon rangers to keep troops out of the urban area and in their natural environment as far as possible,” the CPBMJTT said.
“Over the past few months the CPBMJTT has been exploring several options to address the upcoming bridging period.”
The CPBMJTT said several processes were underway to enable the presence of baboon rangers in the coming months.
The first is a short-term solution in the form of a Request for Quotation process, to ensure the presence of baboon rangers during the festive season.
The RFQ is being advertised by the City this week as a temporary measure.
The second is an interim solution to appoint a contractor for a 12-month period, on a month-to-month basis.
“The preferred long-term solution that is to be finalised is a partnership with a non-profit organisation that can receive grant funding from the CPBMJTT partners, as well as funding and donations from external sources such as affected communities and the general public.
“The NPO is to perform selected operational and other tasks needed in implementing the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
“This includes the implementation of area-based solutions; education, awareness and communication campaigns; community outreach events; the hosting of a dedicated website and mobile app; ongoing engagement with researchers; and the provision of baboon rangers in support of other management interventions such as population control, strategic fences, and waste management, amongst others,” the CPBMJTT said.
“The steps are underway with urgency and intent as we are transitioning to a more sustainable urban baboon programme which involves communities, as well as the parties to the CPBMJTT.”
Cape Times