A population survey of chacma baboon in the Northern Transvaal

Abstract

To the farmers in mountainous areas in the Tranvaal, baboons are a menace which cause the death of lambs and the destruction of crops. The Nature Conservation Division thus embarked on a five-year field study to obtain data on the distribution, population density, ecology and social behaviour of baboons in the Transvaal. More than 300 baboon troops were located in the 7000 square mile study area in the Northern Transvaal. The population density varied between three and 18 per square mile in the different habitat types. Baboon troops were followed on foot for 74 days and it was found that the home range sizes varied between five and nine square miles. Capture cages were developed and control measures were applied according to a scheduled management plan. Most of the baboons were captured in heavy populated areas. Population changes were ascribed to dispersion and mortality.