In Cape Town the coexistence of humans and Chacma baboons in urban areas, particularly in villages like Kommetjie, has led to increasing tensions and conflicts.
A mother Chacma baboon runs across the road with her baby in search of their sleep site while a gathered crowd of affected Kommetjie residents stand in protest to baboons living in the urban space.
Despite efforts under the City of Cape Town’s ‘Baboon Strategic Management Plan’, which involves tracking, educating residents, and reducing baboon harm, hostilities between baboons and humans, including attacks on pets and property damage, continue to rise.
The presence of baboons, who forage and sleep within urban spaces, has divided the community, pitting animal rights activists against frustrated residents.
A recent survey of Kommetjie residents revealed that 55 percent have daily encounters with baboons, 85 percent have had baboons enter their homes, and 83 percent have altered their lifestyles to avoid conflict.
However, with no alternative plans in place, the struggle between maintaining baboon welfare and ensuring human safety remains unresolved.
Photographer Alan van Gysen, from Matrix Images, is documenting the situation.
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