Baboon mangement is currently undergoing review and updating following the need for a more long-term, locally relevant and adaptive strategy plan for future human-baboon interactions.

The review is also in recognition of the influence and effect of these interactions in reflecting the unique environental, social and operational realities of the Overstrand region, according to Dr Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Municipal Manager.

“While the Municipality will consider lessons and management approache from elsewhere in the Western Cape, the intention is not to duplicate other models or apply a unifrom approach across the entire Overstrand,” he said.

The Strategic Baboon Management Plan (SBMP) is set to be submitted to and reviewed by an independent panel of wildlife and conservation experts by August 2026.

“Following the specialist review, the revised draft plan and response report will be released for public comment,” said O’Neill.

This will subsequently be followed by structured public participation processes as well as public meetings held across affected towns in the Overstrand. Independent professional facilitators will facilitate the meetings to ensure all viewpoints, concerns and local experiences are addressed. Environmental legislation, municipal planning frameworks and biodiversity management objectives applicable to the Overstrand and broader Kogelberg Biosphere will also be taken into account.

Meanwhile, the Municipality has advised that private groups and individuals should not take it upon themselves to “independently implement, direct, monitor or undertake baboon management”.

“Activities taken outside the applicable legal framework may constitute noncompliant actions and may undermine coordinated biodiversity management objectives, public safety considerations, animal welfare protocols and unlawful operational processes,” O’Neill said.

Dates, venues and details of public participation processes will be communicated once the specialist review has been completed.