Major developments endangering the livelihood of baboons could soon be put on hold. This is if a group of university researchers has its way. They say humans are forcing baboons out of their natural habitats, which is causing havoc with the research. They are hoping to find a way in which humans and baboons are able to co-exist.

Baboons on the Cape Peninsula are protected by legislation. Despite their major role in ecological systems, they are treated like vermin. A group of UCT students has been monitoring the animals for the past four years. They say there is a misconception that baboons enjoy living in mountains.

Instead, they prefer low-lying regions, also the targetted area for residential developments. A PHD student, Tali Hoffman, says: "We don't know what land to conserve for them, because we don't understand how they utilise the land."

The research will identify areas in which the baboons live, eat and sleep. The data will be used when new developments are being planned. "Through our collaboration with the city of Cape Town and national parks, we'll make sure that certain pockets of land are left for baboons," said Hoffman.

Through their research, these students hope to bring more harmony between people and baboons on the Peninsula.

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