Baboons on the Cape Point Route Matter

BABOONS ON THE CAPE POINT ROUTE: Published in CAPE UNPLUGGED January 2010
By Sally Grierson

Many visitors to the Cape Point Route will be excited to see baboons as they travel the scenic route from Simons Town to Cape Point. The antics of baboons entertain and delight tourists, and it is easy to understand the fascination our furry cousins hold – but unsuspecting visitors should be warned that the baboons of Cape Point have been taught some very bad behaviour – from the very visitors who find them so amazing.

Since the 1930’s, baboons along this scenic route have been recipients of food handed out by people en route to the famous Cape Point. The intelligent and opportunistic baboons have come to associate vehicles and bags with easy food rewards and have become skilled at opening car doors and grabbing bags.

But while head-on confrontations with baboons can be frightening, these curious creatures also have a smart, sensitive side to them, which is most clearly displayed when they are at ease in their natural environment, away from urban influences.

For baboons, life in the troop is full of drama – and to the observer this dynamic has the quality of a soap opera. The females are quick to take umbrage to perceived slights, yet equally fascinated by the babies of their friends. Quarrels flare up and die down with no grudges held, and the contented sighs and sporadic grunts as communication resumes are an intriguing indication of socialisation happening between troop members.

Baboons spend almost equal amounts of time grooming and resting as they do foraging for food. As they make use of a great variety of plants, bulbs, seed – and even insects – they have to work quite hard in order to meet their nutritional requirements.

Sadly, the future of these interesting creatures is not assured. Development on the Cape Point Route has mushroomed in recent years, causing ongoing human encroachment on wilderness areas. This has led to continual clashes between baboons and humans and high mortality rates for the baboons. Current statistics suggest there may not be a viable baboon troop left in the region within a decade.

But the Baboon Monitor Project may change this bleak outlook. Started 10 years ago, the initiative has considerably reduced the conflicts between primates over the past eight years by keeping baboons out of villages for roughly 85% of days. With the ongoing involvement of committed baboon monitors, the people of Cape Town may yet find a path to peaceful co-existence with our furry cousins.

FACT BOX:

Baboon Matters offers a once in a life time opportunity as their unique walking tours take you to visit baboons. The experienced guides ensure your safety at all times, whilst you have the amazing chance to learn more about the baboons of Good Hope.

The walking tours are suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness – but booking is essential as the groups are limited to just six people at a time. The Baboon Matters “Walking with Baboons" tours have been rated as a world class experience, and everyone who participates leaves with a great understanding and appreciation of the baboon families who have roamed the Cape Point Route for centuries.

Contact Baboon Matters on: 021 785 7493 or email baboonmatters@cybersmart.co.za

For information on any accommodation in the area, activities or regional attractions please contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za