EVALUATION OF NONLETHAL CONTROL METHODS ON PROBLEMATIC SAMANGO MONKEYS IN THE CAPE VIDAL RECREATION RESERVE, GREATER ST. LUCIA WETLAND PARK

Samango monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchus) in the Cape Vidal R ecreational Reserve have become habituated to taking exotic food items from tourists. These food-raiding habits are mainly confined to the p ublic campsite, but picnic sites and the cabin areas are also affected . A survey of the public's perception of the problem showed that 65% o f visitors experienced problems with the monkeys. Most visitors felt t hat if they were forewarned of the monkey problem and adequate measure s were taken to secure food and garbage, that the levels of interactio n with the monkeys would be reduced to tolerable limits, The KwaZulu-N atal Nature Conservation Service has taken steps to monkey-proof dustb ins and alter the management of waste. Various chemical deterrents wer e used to condition monkeys and reduce their use of the food in dustbi ns. These methods were largely unsuccessful, although one chemical (de natonium benzoate) showed more potential than the others. Chemical det errents are difficult to apply, require constant reinforcement, are ex pensive and are thus difficult to manage. Translocation and removal of individuals by shooting was considered. Translocation may be feasible , however, the high density of monkeys in the area make it likely that removed monkeys will be rapidly replaced by neighbouring troops. Furt hermore, large numbers of animals will have to be removed. This is an impractical and untenable option at this time. Judicious shooting of a nimals that are major pests may be necessary. The most applicable opti ons for controlling samango monkeys at Cape Vidal are the management o f waste to prevent accessibility by the monkeys, and the education of the public about the problem so that inadvertent provisioning does not occur.