Participatory mapping used as an alternative to understanding baboon distribution and movements in the George Area.

As part of a Baboon Research Project led by Dr. ChloƩ Guerbois at the Sustainability Research Unit, local ecological knowledge, captured through participatory mapping is used and tested as an alternative to invasive monitoring methods, such as GPS collars, to understand landscape requirements of baboons and to predict their presence. Participatory mapping is also a way to enhance cohesion around a common problem within local communities. This modelling of baboon occurrence using community mapping will be compared to models using GPS collars.

Another part of the study is to use questionnaires to assess tolerance and local attitudes humans hold towards baboons.  Understanding the drivers of tolerance and the spatial distribution and movements of baboons could contribute to a better understanding of the negative interactions humans have with this species, and could ultimately provide insights for sustainable management of human baboon relationships in the George municipality.