This monthly report covers the period from 1 to 31 May 2020. During this month, the country remained under strict nationwide COVID-19 lockdown regulations. The closure of large educational institutions in the northern region, such as the Chrysalis Academy, had a positive impact on baboon management as there was a drop in food and waste availability. Conversely, in southern suburbs, such as Kommetjie, where large numbers of people were locked down at home, conflict situations escalated.
All the northern troops and individuals remained out of town for 100% of the time, except for one incident during which ZWF1 from the Zwaanswyk Troop, went to the Cape Academy on her own, but no raids were recorded during her brief time in town. The Constantia 1 and Constantia 2 Troops continued to move and sleep together during this month.
In the south, three troops again proved difficult to manage this month. The Slangkop, Waterfall and Da Gama Troops spent 78%, 86% and 91% of their time out of town, respectively. These troops therefore spent relatively high percentages (9 – 22%) time in town, which led to high numbers of hotline calls being received for these troops – 165 calls collectively. These are all large troops with well over 40 individuals in each troop. They also live in mountainous terrain close to the urban area and therefore have relatively easy access into town.
