This monthly report covers the period from 1 to 31 February 2020. Management of the Voëlklip Troop in Hermanus and the Pringle Bay Troop are discussed. During this month the Virtual Fence was implemented to manage the Voëlklip Troop, but paintball markers still continued to be used for backup. Management of the Pringle Bay Troop continued through the use of paintball markers only. The Virtual Fence will be used in Pringle Bay from July onwards.
The Vogelgat Troop has continued to raid in the eastern avenues of Hermanus. HWS is currently not mandated to manage this troop, which seems to moving further into town as the Voëlklip retreats further from town. HWS does physically respond to hotline calls for the Vogelgat Troop, but only when the Voëlklip Troop is under control.
At this time of year there are many fruiting trees, particularly fig trees, in the urban environment, which attract baboons into town. There are a number of streets within Voëlklip, where fruit trees have been noted as hotspots for baboon activity. Unless these trees are removed, or have their fruit picked, baboons will continue to run into town to obtain this high energy reward. This is especially true in the late summer months, when the fynbos is dry and food availability on the mountain is reduced.
