Baboons – proper waste management
Proper waste management is so important if we want to discourage baboons from raiding our areas and homes.
The Natures Valley troop at the waste station had a ball of time going through the rubbish bins.
There was rubbish strewn all over the grass on the left side of the building, with a number of baboons going through the bags.
One juvie wedged his fingers under the gate of the building and tried to pull another bag of rubbish out. Fortunately, he did not succeed.
Most of the recycling bins are open so the baboons are going through what has already been thrown in there, looking for an easy meal.
As a community, each of us needs to take responsibility for our waste management:
Every resident living in a known baboon area has a responsibility to practice good waste management. Leaving waste bins unsecured not only puts the baboons in danger but also poses a risk to the community. If there are no easy pickings there will be no baboons.
Human food is undeniably unhealthy for baboons. Research shows that baboons that have access to human food show signs of tooth decay, become overweight, and have increased cholesterol. Baboons can also pick up human diseases and parasites through contact with waste. They are also possible carriers of diseases and parasites which can be transmitted to humans.
What can you do to prevent baboons raiding your waste:
- Place a strong padlock on each latch on your bins. Always keep the padlocks locked and keep your keys in a safe place.
- Dog lead clips attached to cables (attached to the bin) are also secure enough. Baboons cannot open dog clips.
- Secure your bins either upright against a wall or a pole or place it side down (locks towards the ground) at the roadside or on the pavement.
- If your bins have not been collected and are full store them in the garage or in a locked cage.
- Kindly advise and educate new residents in the area on the use of baboon-proof bins.
- Residents in your neighbourhood who do not use baboon-proof bins can be reported to Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) on the Baboon Hotline – 071-588-6540.
Image credit: Addi Longley-Taylor