Save the CT2 troop

Thank you to everyone who has shown support for our work with the CT2 troop, it is so appreciated!

As the year kicks in we are contemplating the impact of the new Action Plan as presented by the Joint Task Team (City of Cape Town, Cape Nature and Table Mountain National Park).  The intention is that the JTT will be installing what is referred to as the Northern Fence, an electrified baboon proof fence designed to keep the baboons in the TMNP and out of the vineyards and urban areas.

The plan indicates that once the fence has been installed, the CT1 and CT2 troops will be pushed back to TMNP and effectively kept behind the fence. Of concern is that if the troops do not stay behind the fence and return to their current range, they might be culled...an extremely worrying thought!

The positives to this fence is that the baboons will be protected from the impacts of living in urban areas where the death rate is extremely high - the CT1 troop has reduced from a healthy troop of 43 down to just 18 baboons at the last count. The majority of these deaths were as a result of cars, dogs and shooting.

Although the vegetation has been subject to intense wild fire and changes when the pine plantations were removed we are hopefull that the regrowth and natural areas will be conducive to the troops and that they will settle safely back in the TMNP.

As well as the northern troops of the Cape peninsula baboons, we are keeping a careful eye on what is happening to the southern troops, two of which are designated to be removed into a purpose built sanctuary.  Obviously no-one would like to see free roaming animals in an enclosed area, however the high death rate in the urban areas is alarming and the terrain of the more craggy southern areas will make a baboon proof fence very costly.  All options are being explored but the reality is that the two troops will not be allowed to remain in Simons Town and Seaforth.

We are waiting for the final plans for the sanctuary and are told that it will exceed international regulations and offer the baboons respite from living in suburbia and associated high death rate.

Baboon Matters is entirely dependent on the generosity of the public and friends such as you to keep our hard work going and we thank you again for your support.  

We will be keeping you posted on the updates of the CT2 troops and all baboons and look forward to a positive and successful year ahead with your help.

With grateful thanks

The Baboon Matters Trustees