Baboon Coexistence
Rooiels lies within the natural range of a resident baboon troop, and successful coexistence with baboons has long been an intrinsic part of the village’s identity. Over decades, most residents have consistently supported the troop’s continued presence in and around the village, and stepped up to facilitate it.
Most recently, a Rooiels Baboon Indaba took place in 2021. It was facilitated by the Conservancy and Rooiels Ratepayers Association, and was open to all Rooielsers and interested stakeholders. A task team was set up to gather data and insights through a household survey and an in-person indaba, and to produce a final outcome document, containing findings, a way forward for sustainable coexistence and implementation activities.
This is best summarised in the Pathway for Human-Baboon Coexistence.
The Conservancy is the custodian of the pathway and coexistence model. It supports, facilitates and advances it by:
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Liaising with authorities, conservation bodies and other partners on baboon-related matters.
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Promoting education and awareness about living with baboons.
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Training and deploying Baboon Information Officers in the village during holiday periods, with funding help from RERA.
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Preventing illegal harm to baboons, which are a protected species in the Western Cape.
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Observing troop behaviour, monitoring demographics and collecting scientific data.
Rooiels demonstrates that coexistence is possible when a community works collectively and proactively. We are perhaps unique in how successfully we live alongside baboons. The Conservancy is commited to protecting and improving coexistence in Rooiels, reaping the rewards of reduced conflict and biodiversity conservation, and avoiding the escalation seen in other areas.
🙋 If you’d like to know more about the baboons, check out the Nature and Village Life sections of the website.
If you want to help advance the Coexistence Pathway or have any other questions, contact us at rec@rooiels.org.za