Authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, have released an updated baboon action plan aimed at reducing conflict between people and baboons, which regularly enter urban areas in search of food. The plan, which includes euthanasia of some baboons, has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups. The plan says the population of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in the Cape Peninsula has increased from 360 in 2000 to more than 600 in 2024, leading to increased conflict with humans. To address these, the plan calls for nonlethal measures such as erecting baboon-proof fences that trained rangers will monitor and maintain. Baboons that breach the northern fence will be humanely euthanized, the plan says. The plan also notes that certain troops will be captured and relocated to the mountain side of the northern fence. However, it adds “the likelihood of success is very low” due to limited suitable habitat. If baboons return to the urban side of the fence, they may be euthanized. Another troop will be relocated to a 1.5-hectare (3.7-acre) baboon sanctuary where males will undergo a vasectomy. If the first enclosure proves successful, two more will be built; if it fails due to animal welfare concerns or lack of funding, the animals will be euthanized, the plan says. The plan also sets upper limits for baboon populations: 250 for the northern subpopulation and 175 for the southern one. If the limits are exceeded for more than six months, “animals will be humanely euthanized” starting with the old, sick and injured.…This article was originally published on Mongabay