The feedback of the community is very important to the Hermanus Baboon Action Group (HBAG).
This according to Pat Redford, chair of the group, and it is the reason the East Baboon Management Survey was conducted.
“This is an initiative of the HBAG aimed at gathering community feedback in the lead up to the cancellation of the Baboon Management Program(BMP) by Overstrand Municipality (OM),” she explained.
HBAG wanted to hear from the residents on:
. How important it was for them that the BMP continues;. What their perception was of the difference the BMP made over five years since implementation.. To gauge sentiment towards baboons in the urban area and how important safety and environmental management was in relation to baboons in the urban area.. To understand the extent to which refuse management was important.|. To raise awareness of the programme and the elements required for it to succeed.. What they would be prepared to do to assist in the continuation of the programme.
“HBAG circulated the survey on Google forms on as many of the WhatsApp groups in the area that we are members of,” she said, “and also distributed through relevant organisations within the baboon affected areas of Hermanus East. The survey opened on 25 August and closed midnight 3 September.”
According to her the HBAG received a total of 652 responses.
Fifteen of those were outside the baboon-affected area and a further 15 did not indicate their area, leaving a total of 622 within the area.
“Within the Hermanus East baboon-affected area there are approximately 2 400 erven. The survey garnered 622 responses from within the baboon-affected area equating to a response rate of 25,92%. International survey statistics indicate between 25% and 30% as good for online surveys.”
The salient results from the survey:
. 76% have lived here longer than four years; . 50% longer than 10 years (The BMP was implemented in Hermanus East in November 2019 – almost five years ago);|. 84% of respondents agree or strongly agree that baboon management has had a positive effect on property values and saleability in the area;. 35% make use of the Voëlklip drop-off facility, 70% make use of baboon proof bins;. 436 respondents have experienced baboons entering their home, and 34 respondents have had incidents of pets being harmed by baboons.. 53% respondents make use of baboon alert groups in affected areas.. A majority of respondents are concerned that baboons may enter their property or injure themselves or friends and family. . Between 40 and 50% of respondents are concerned for injury to their pets, the baboons and conflict which may arise within the community.. 87% of respondents say situation is “Better” or “Much Better” now, compared to pre-BMP.. 95% of respondents “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” that the current BMP should continue.. 68% of respondents have indicated a willingness to contribute financially, with a minimum of R200/month.. 32% are not in favour of paying for BMP.
