Vervet monkey roaming Farrarmere
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the monkey may contact Vanessa on 082 708 1228.
Residents are cautioned to be aware of a male vervet monkey that has been spotted in Farramere today (April 1).
The animal should not be given food and residents should take their pets indoors to avoid conflict with the monkey should it come onto their property.
Vanessa Davis of the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre said a number of these vervets move through urban areas every year and generally stay out of harm’s way.
“The monkey spotted in Farrarmere was chased up a tree in Putfontein last week.
“We went out to assess the situation and found the residents had chased the animal. As soon as we had moved everyone away from the tree and began setting up our trap, he bolted down and made a run for it,” said Davis.
“From there, we tracked him to Petit and then into Crystal Park, where I set up a trap for him.
“The monkey spent some time at the Almond Tree, in Cloverdene, but he moved off to Morehill, then Northmead, Airfield and now Farramere.”
She explained that often younger males challenge the troop leader and the dominant male might drive the other off, but they also disperse to find other troops for genetic reasons.
“If we know of anywhere he has spent time, or doubles back to sleep in one spot, we can set up our trap to try and catch him.
Obviously, moving him away from traffic, people and dogs is a far better option.
“We can then slowly integrate him into another troop and release him into a safe area when ready.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the monkey may contact Vanessa on 082 708 1228.
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