The role of baboons in our fynbos ecosystem
The role of baboons in our fynbos ecosystem is vital to its continued preservation.
Since the devastating fires in 2017, that raged through the Garden Route, we are seeing troops make their way through suburban areas in search of food. Furious and scared residents have joined Whatsapp and Facebook groups to try and resolve the problem. However, some think it is best to have them removed or even executed.
According to primatologist Dave Gaynor, “Baboons have been in the fynbos ecosystem for two million years and have been a major population in terms of biomass. One can confidently say that if they are removed, it is 100 percent sure to have an effect on the fynbos. Baboons play a significant role in plant dispersal and reproduction”.
Research done in Pringle bay by Erin Guth in 2005 showed exactly that. She found that “in terms of quantity the baboons were effective dispersal agents depositing a seed rain rate of between approximately 12000 and 36000 seeds/km2 during the study period and a mean of 46 seeds per fecal sample”.
It is clear that baboons play an important role in the ecosystem and that we need them to forage in the fynbos. However, the village can be a tempting alternative with its possibility of high-calorie foods. For example, just half a loaf of brown bread is equal to four hours of foraging in the fynbos for a female baboon, making up her daily nutritional supplement.
Therefore it is crucial that we keep the baboons from consuming human food by denying them access to our garbage and using baboon-proof bins. We can go further and baboon-proof our homes so they don’t raid our fridges, and when it comes to our gardens, to preserve the fynbos and not to replace it with vegetable gardens and fruit trees. And of course, to never ever feed the baboons directly!
So start looking at your garbage, your house, and garden and ask yourself: What role am I playing in this ecosystem?
Thank you to Joselyn Elise Mormile and the Rooiels troop for the images, posted by Pringle Bay Baboons, 28 June 2018.
Please read what Baboon Matters have to say on the baboon/human conflict issues. Jenni Trethowan of Baboon Matters is available to visit our area to advise and assist and even train the monitor team for keeping the baboons away from residential areas.
It would be great if our local municipalities become pro-active and made use of somebody with so much experience to share.
If locals are interested in having Jenni come up to the Garden Route to give talks and advice, please contact her via email.
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