Upgrade of baboon rehabilitation enclosures
Thu, 4 February 2010
Progress Report 1: Rehabilitation and Release of a Troop of Chacma Baboons
Chacma baboons are known for getting too close to human settlements, which results in them growing dependant on humans and, frequently, to injuries. Without rehabilitation, these baboons face a lifetime in captivity or even euthanasia. CROW is the only rehabilitation centre for baboons in the region, and is responsible for the rehabilitation and release of the sub-species of chacma baboon concentrated in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.
This project aims to rehabilitate a group of baboons who have grown dependant on humans. CROW aims to release them back into the wild within the next year. The rehabilitation process involves socialising the baboons by introducing them to each other over time, so that they will form relationships and bond as a functioning troop. The project will also upgrade the existing baboon enclosures at CROW, which are used for rehabilitation.
The project timeline is April 2009 to March 2010.
Impact and Outputs
The project started before the SASIX grant was released. Prior to receiving SASIX funding, 17 baboons were captured, rehabilitated, and released. They were monitored for a period of five months after their release. A further nine baboons have since been captured and are being rehabilitated to prepare them for reintroduction into the wild in late September.
The rehabilitation centre has been upgraded to provide additional space and suitable facilities for the banoons. Specifically:
CROW acquired six sleeping kennels through a donation, and a further eight kennels are currently being built.
In two of the three enclosures, jungle gyms were constructed using donated poles, while allocated funds went to the labour required to construct them. A third jungle gym will soon be erected in the third enclosure.
Poles and roofing was budgeted for to extend the current baboon enclosures. However, the enclosures already have suitable roofing and CROW have asked the funding for the roofing to be reallocated to electric fencing, which would be more suitable for keeping the baboons within the enclosures.
Six security gates were installed in the three enclosures. This is one more than the five that were originally budgeted for. This is due to a change in the original design of the enclosures, which would have allowed for five gates. CROW has requested that the balance of funding for the kennels be allocated to the upgrade of a tunnel connecting the two existing enclosures to a newer, third enclosure.
Two water troughs have been installed, and another two are due to be installed in February 2010. All enclosures were equipped with items to keep the baboons occupied. These items included recycled and donated ships ropes, suspended plastic and metal drums, and old car tyres. More items, including shipping ropes, natural vegetation, drums and other items will be sourced in February 2010.
Expenditure
The cost of the project is R95,000, with R15,900 outstanding.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenses to date |
| 13 Sleeping Kennels | 19 500 | 1 440 |
| Jungle Gyms & Climbing Structures | 12 000 | 3 360 |
| Poles & Roofing 3 Structures | 21 000 | - |
| Security Gates x 5 | 1 750 | 2 290 |
| Quarterly Vets Visits | 1 800 | 1 800 |
| Cage enrichment | 10 950 | 2 590 |
| Water Troughs | 4 000 | 1 950 |
| Feed 30x baboons | 20 000 | 10 190 |
| TOTAL | 91 000 | 23 620 |
There is significant under spend on the budget, as most budget items were sourced at a lower cost, were donated, or still need to be purchased. As discussed above, the funds allocated for the poles and roofing will be used for the electric fencing. The balance of the kennels, after the additional kennels have been built, will be used for the construction of the tunnel connecting the two current enclosures to the new third enclosure.
Challenges
In the past year, CROW has had difficulties resulting from high staff turnover, as critical project implementers left the organisation. This led to difficulties in handover and reconciliation of what had and had not been implemented, which in turn led to the project being delayed. According to CROW, these issues have now been resolved, and one of the Management Committee has stepped into the role in order to stabilise the staff situation as well as implement all outstanding projects.
After the successful release of the second troop of baboons, the owners of the site (a game reserve) erected guest accommodation between two watering holes that were frequented by the baboons. This was not part of the planning when the site was originally selected for release. The sudden presence of humans and a ready food source led to the troop raiding some of the homes and gardens. This problem resolved itself when the lead male of the troop disappeared and the troop was taken over by one of the local wild baboons, who was not accustomed to humans and therefore steered clear of the guest accommodation. This will be taken into account when releasing the remained of 9 baboons and deciding on a release site.
Monitoring and evaluation
Baboons get identified by their sex and age and are given electronic tags. Baboons are also periodically observed through binoculars. Data is collected on:
- Their GPS location
- Which other baboons they are with
- How many of them are together at a position
- Day-to-day activities and changes in behaviour
- The habitat and vegetation type and the amount of time spent there
- Their general condition including weight, coat, demeanour, and any visible injuries
A project summary report is drawn up and discussed at a post-release meeting between CROW and KZN Wildlife. The analysis of the data is useful to determine whether a release site was suitable and whether other factors need to be taken into account in future. This will include things like the habitat type, the proximity of humans, and the structure of the troop in terms of age and sex.
Conclusions
The project, while starting late and experiencing some problems in the initial stages, has progressed well. They have consolidated all work from previous project implementers and have laid out clear plans for the future of the project. There have been some changes to the project budget. However, these changes are justified and will be of benefit to the baboons’ rehabilitation.
The rehabilitation and release of the troop to a suitable site, sufficiently remote from human settlement, will ensure that these animals are prepared for life in the wild, able to survive independently of human support and able to breed successfully.
