‘Stop provoking, feeding Kgale baboons’
Mompati Tlhankane | Tuesday October 31, 2023 06:00
Kereng was responding to a question from Kgosi Mosadi Seboko at the ongoing 14th meeting of the Fourth Ntlo Ya Dikgosi.
Seboko had asked about the population of baboons around the Kgale area and whether the minister is aware that the baboons are a nuisance and danger to the pedestrians and business people around that area; and if so, how she will advise on easier handling of the situation in order to make life easier for the people.
Kereng admitted that she is aware that the baboons pose a potential danger to the pedestrians and business people in that area and revealed measures for adoption by the public to reduce potential confrontations. “To that end, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has been carrying out public awareness to educate the public to prevent encounters and attacks by avoiding provoking or threatening behaviour towards the baboons as they will be inclined to attack in defence,” she said.
Kereng also advised the public to ensure they do not feed the baboons as this causes the animals to expect food whenever they see people. If food is not availed to them, they may forcibly get it by threatening people and possibly attacking them.
She further said people who work around Kgale should always be vigilant and close windows when leaving their offices even if it is for a short period. She also pointed out that people should use scavenger proof dust bins to prevent access to food leftovers by baboons and report incidents to the nearest Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Botswana Police Service or Kgotla. Kereng revealed that the population of baboons as well as the number of troops around the Kgale area has not been established. However, estimates put the number of baboons at around 100.