Vervets on the loose – What you can do
Following sightings of baboons and vervet monkeys in the West Rand area, the public is cautioned by wildlife experts on what to do during a sighting.
Three sightings of baboons and vervet monkeys have been reported in the recent weeks with members of the public panicking.
Some have turned to the nearest rock or any object they could find in an attempt to harm these animals – with some holding bad superstitious beliefs about them.
A vervet monkey was seen in Krugersdorp on October 26, and another in the Fleurhof area with concerned residents questioning whether it is perhaps the third or fourth with recent sightings in Helderkruin and Maraisburg.
According to Makwenkwe Zwide from Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw), these are animals come from the forest, but due to rapid urbanisation, a lot of them are making their way to green corridors. Zwide advised that the public should stay calm, “They don’t have to chase the animal or panic when they see them, they can contact Claw and we’ll come and rescue the animal.” Zwide further urged the public to also contact the SPCA.
While they are not dangerous animals, the SPCA serves to protect male vervet monkeys or baboons from community members who believe they are evil. They encourage the public to leave them alone, lock pets away, and avoid feeding or chasing them. They also urge the community to educate themselves about vervets and baboons as the young males are seeking new troop members and are not evil spirits.
According to Cora Cora Bailey from Claw, male monkeys leave their troops to prevent inbreeding and survival, but rapid urbanisation affects wildlife sightings. Keeping crowds away and setting traps are challenges. Education and time are needed to protect these animals, but long-distance calls, hostile areas, and disseminating information also prove difficult.
