Concerns raised over ‘baboon extinction’ in South Africa
A troubling update from the Environment Minister this week has raised fears about the possible extinction of baboons in SA.
Comments made by Environmental Minister Barbara Creecy this week have raised alarm bells within the conservation community. The top ANC official was quizzed about the extinction status of baboons in South Africa. her answers made for a mixed forecast.
Are baboons facing extinction in South Africa?
Although there isn’t any major concern for baboons as a whole in Mzansi, there are fears that certain sub-species ARE teetering towards the brink of extinction. That’s according to the minister. She says select populations in KZN now find themselves under immense pressure to survive.
“The Regional Red List Status for Baboons is indicated as ‘least concern’. However, some local sub-populations in KZN have been threatened with extinction. Provinces like these are empowered by law to address local conservation concerns.” | Barbara Creecy
What’s to blame for these declines?
The questions put to Minister Creecy came from Dave Bryant. He is the shadow minister of the same department. Bryant now believes that ‘pragmatic interventions’ are needed urgently, if these populations are to continue existing.
In a statement shared earlier today, Bryant also lashed out at the ‘lax surveillance’ of baboon hunting permits across the country. It’s possible that a failure to regulate this industry will help to speed-up the process of extinction for the affected species.
“It is vital that pragmatic interventions to human-baboon conflict are explored. Minister Creecy revealed that while baboons in most parts of the country are not deemed to be at risk, regional baboon species in KZN are critically threatened. They are facing imminent extinction.”
“It is of further concern to note that while permits to hunt baboons are readily available across the country, the Minister does not appear to have access to the numbers of baboon hunting permits granted by provincial governments.”
“Baboon populations in the Western Cape are stable and managed at a very high standard. Our governments are happy to share this knowledge and expertise with other parts of the country where required.” | Dave Bryant
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