SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
VISIT OUR BLOGSITE FOR A SLIDE SHOW ON HOW TO CO-EXIST WITH WILD BABOONS AND MONKEYS AT:
http://www.darwinprimategroup.blogspot.com/
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
As the only monkey rescue centre in the Western Cape, this project is concerned with the rescue of vervet monkeys who have been orphaned and injured in the Western Cape. We are based in The Crags along the Garden Route. Our objectives are to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict between humans and other primates in South Africa, develop, publicise and advocate constructive methods to protect primate species and to work towards a safe and protective environment where these primates can be released.
The future for South African primates is certainly threatened; human development continues to encroach on their territories causing serious damage to troop structures and individuals. Primates are often shot, trapped or poisoned as a quick method to deal with human/animal conflict, instead of looking for harmonious methods to co-exist in the wild. Not only has this shown a progressive decrease in numbers but has impacted on troop structures in a manner that is passed on from one generation to the next.
Myths about vervet monkeys and chacma baboons:
Age old misunderstandings about the behaviour of the vervet monkey and the chacma baboon are responsible to a large extent for the attitudes of the public towards these primates. Our awareness campaign aims to break down these misconceptions, help residents to understand these primates and to practice tolerance and patience when co-existing with them.
Legislation:
The Chacma Baboon and Vervet Monkey are listed as “protected” in the W.C, yet in practice, they’re hunted – and legally persecuted - under the Hunting Proclamation. It is believed that legislation presently serves to eradicate these species in the interests of certain sectors (agriculture, forestry etc). Populations are not officially monitored and the obvious environmental effects caused to troop structures is not commonly recognised. These species are listed on Appendix 2 of C.I.T.E.S. - a listing that in practice, holds no value.
Damage caused to troop structures and populations:
Observations by those working hands-on with these species reveal damage to social dynamics, troop structures (in various areas, there appears to be an unhealthy skew in adult male to female ratios as a result of so many males - and usually the most influential troop members - being shot) and significant loss in numbers. They are shot, poisoned, electrocuted, run over and captured for the pet industry, research laboratories and muthi (medicine).
Social cohesion is necessary to the health of any primate group. The social structure of the Chacma Baboon and Vervet Monkey depends on a fragile cohesive system with matrilines playing a key role in ensuring this system remains stable and healthy. Removing individuals from a troop has social and psychological consequences that impact negatively on troop structures; human intervention continues to damage these social systems that influence troops, their future and their relationship to other systems.
Snaring primates and other species for bushmeat is a growing problem around poverty stricken areas and needs to be confronted urgently.
Human intervention is creating dysfunctional baboon and monkey societies. This factor has obvious repercussions on all eco-systems connected to these species.
Diminishing Numbers:
Old history books site examples of vervet troops numbering up to 120 individuals and baboon troops of 200-300. We don't see troops of this size anymore. In fact, it is certainly not common to see vervet monkey troops in many areas in South Africa at present. In our area - The Crags, Western Cape, it is uncommon to see vervet monkeys and when one does, troops generally consist of under five individuals.
Both the Vervet Monkey and Chacma Baboon face a slow but progressive eradication if the situation does not change.
The Darwin Primate Group is the only official monkey rescue centre along the Garden Route and it is therefore crucial for its future as a sustainable project that funding is raised to attain its objectives. Prior to our efforts to help injured and orphaned monkeys, they were generally euthanased as there were no organisations that could help them. It is of utmost importance that the presence of the D.P.G and its work is allowed to continue in order to change prevailing destructive attitudes towards primates and other wildlife in this area.