Chacma Baboons – Conservation photographs

Chacma Baboons – Conservation photographs

We had the privilege to have a visit from one of the Chacma baboon troops this morning here in Capri Village.

It created such a heightened sense of excitement in our little village , the best morning since lockdown for sure!.

They are hungry and have come down from the mountain to collect and eat all the beautiful berries growing in our gardens.

And maybe try raid a house or two if lucky enough to find a window open.

I personally love having them in our mountain and loved having them visit. Just don’t go finding my newly planted vegetable garden!!

I was able to get really close to this baboon family. And got some lovely conservation photographs.

You will notice in the images the paint ball markings on the body of the mother baboon ( back shot ) In blue and orange splattered paint, one of the youngsters also has a blue paint hit on its head. This is sad to see , but its what keeps  the conflict between residents and baboons lower . The Monitors do carry  paint ball guns as you will see in the images. They do try and aim to the side of the baboons and don’t mean to hit them directly!

These Monitors follow their troops all day through the mountains and into the residential areas if needed. From the crack of dawn to dusk.

You will also notice the mother baboon with the deformed hand, in the beginning I thought it was an injury but its definitely a deformity!

Baboons are incredibly social beings, and just like human families, they comfort and support each other, and squabble and fight!

The alpha is the dominant male in the troop. He can weigh up to 40kgs, and has earned his position by aggressively fending off other male contenders for the crown.

At around 7 years old, the mature male leaves his natal troop and attempts to join another troop – this is vital for genetic mixing between troops

Females typically stay with their natal troop their entire lives. They are born into their position within the troop, and if they are high-ranking, they will hand their position on to their daughters.
They form strong bonds and friendships within a troop, and groups of females with babies tend to stick together to give each other support and share child-care duties.

Juveniles hang out together in large groups of similar age. Like human children, they love to play boisterously, and watching them in action is a real treat
They make excellent baby-sitters for newly-weaned babies, and will protect them if a fight breaks out between adults

Check out the pics below.

And please view my conservation portfolio here