Frieda Jansen van Rensburg, the manager of the Garden Route SPCA who requested a post-mortem to establish the cause of death, revealed last week that one female and one male had been shot to death.
Dr Elke Schwellnus, who conducted the post-mortem, also found that they had cracked skulls and bruises all over their bodies. The male vervet's feet were cut off but, as far as can be established, this was mercifully after he had died, said Jansen van Rensburg.
She added that anyone with information about this barbaric killing is asked to contact the SPCA on 044 878 1990/3. All information will be treated confidentially. It could only be speculated, but it may be that they were caught in a trap and then shot after which their carcases were disposed off behind the Pre-Cap Centre where an employee of a video shop made the gruesome discovery.
CapeNature's conservation services officer at the Gouritz Regional Office, Rabin Naidoo, said that according to Western Cape legislation, vervet monkeys are classified as a protected wild animal in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance, Ordinance 19 of 1974. "Activities relating to the management of vervet monkeys are therefore regulated by means of this legislation.
The shooting/trapping/poisoning of vervet monkeys by the public within a residential area is not permitted. People found guilty of such offences can be fined or receive a prison sentence," he said.
Avoid conflict
- Food is a strong attractor for these species, so avoid leaving dog/cat food outside.
- Do not leave rubbish outside overnight, only leave it out on the day of collection.
- Ensure bins have weighted down lids reducing both vervet and baboon access.
- Placing nets over fruit trees during season not only prevents monkeys from consuming fruits, but also birds therefore making this beneficial to all.
- Contact your local nursery for advice on different nets. Avoid leaving food in plain view from trees and surrounding areas near windows and open doors.
READ A PREVIOUS ARTICLE
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
