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An Assessment of the Problem of Vervet Monkeys in the Former Westville Borough: Management Implications

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An Assessment of the Problem of Vervet Monkeys in the Former Westville Borough: Management Implications An Assessment of the Problem of Vervet Monkeys in the Former Westville Borough: Management Implications Yuri Ramkissoon Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the school of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal December 2005 CDedicated to ... myfami{y for 6eing e~eptiona{{y wondeifuL Truly man is the king ofbeasts, for his brutality exceeds them. We live by the death ofothers. We are burial places! I have from an early age abjured the use ofmeat, and the time will come when [humans] such as I will look upon the murder ofanimals as they now look on the murder ofmen. Leonardo Ca Vinci ABSTRACT Urbanisation, a process occurring at an excessive rate per annum, has implications for the natural environment that are vast and varied. One of the most significant is the effect on natural habitats, shaped by habitat destruction and modification. The simplification of ecosystems, homogenisation of landscapes and influence on keystone species are a few impacts on indigenous fauna existing in these habitats. Some species are unable to withstand external disturbances, while other species are more adaptable, and often thrive in these modified, and now optimal, environments. Increasingly, provisions are made to accommodate nature in an urbanising world with tools like Impact Assessments and Opens Space Systems. These procedures however, do little to specifically protect indigenous fauna, progressively categorised as "problem animals" or vermin, like monkeys, which often bear the brunt of attacks by humans who see them as a nuisance and a threat to their well-being. The study therefore aimed to "Assess the nature and extent of the monkey problem in the former Westville Borough", a suburb in the city of Durban, South Africa. Questionnaires administered to residents and interviews done with stakeholders documented their views on the "monkey problem," and the effectiveness of proposed solutions in alleviating these problems. Using orthographic photographs, illustrating land-use change, the rate and nature of habitat destruction experienced in the former Westville Borough between 1974 and 2001 was assessed. Records of injuries to monkeys held by the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), along with letters of complaint regarding monkeys in local newspapers, were collected to assess the nature and frequency of the problem. Resident's opinions implied that the threat of Vervet Monkeys was more perceived then real. Eighty three percent thought monkeys were not a threat to humans. Education and awareness campaigns were thought to be successful in alleviating the problem by 86% of residents and 100% of interviewees. iii Residents believed that "everyone" should be responsible for the problem while interviewees were divided in opinion but placed most responsibility on local government. An assessment of land-use changed showed a decrease of over 15% in open space provision over a twenty six year period. CROW records showed that the majority of monkey injuries were due to assault or shooting and most often to males between the months of April and July. Conclusions based on the findings of the study emphasise the need for stronger legislation specifically for Vervets and detailed guidelines on both management of and responsibility for the monkeys, with less shifting of blame by stakeholders and authorities. The implementation of education and awareness programs were also advocated, to educate the public on the problem and their role in protecting one of Africa's most valuable assets. iv PREFACE The experimental work described in this dissertation was carried out in the School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal, from January 2003 to December 2005, under the supervision of Dr. Helen K. Watson. These studies represent original work by the author and have not otherwise been submitted in any form for any degree or diploma to any University. Where use has been made of the work of others it is duly acknowledged in the text. 29 MARcH' 2Cf)b Y Ramkissoon (Candidate) Date v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to place on record her appreciation to the following people: My supervisor Dr. Helen Watson for teaching me so much over the last five years and always having faith in me. I appreciate all the guidance you have given me both academic and personal. The University of KwaZulu-Natal Graduate Assistance Program and the National Research Foundation for invaluable financial assistance. Mr. Frank Sokolic for your constant assistance and patience throughout my relentless questioning and need for help. It is much appreciated. Isaac for your assistance and for being an invariable source of knowledge. Susan for being so willing to help all students, especially me, at any time of day. Dr. Dianne Scott: I look forward to our meetings in the hallways and tearooms so we can chat about something new. Thank you for being a wonderful friend and mentor. The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) for allowing me access to records. Also thanks to Dianne for assisting me with recording telephone calls. Mrs. Jean Senogles for you assistance with everything from background information, to contacts and insight into the "problem with humans!" Mum and Dad: the education you have given me has empowered me to fulfil my ambitions and dreams. Your love, support and belief have empowered me to take on the world and to make a difference. Thank you for giving me everything material and spiritual. I love you more than I can ever express. Nikita, for being an angel, friend and percolator all rolled into one. I love you and will always take care of you - even if you never learn to drive. Timone and Rani for rekindling my appreciation for the finer things in life like tennis balls, scrunchies, squeaky toys and geckos. The Fellowship of Iruy for believing me even though I don't have a PhD. Nerosha, Sharlene and Tirusha for being my guiding lights even through my darkest days. I owe this dissertation to you. I don't think I would ever have completed it with out your constant support and encouragement. Yashin, thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me throughout my constant nagging that I would never finish. I love you so much. Thank you for being the person you are. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT iii DEDICATION IV PREFACE V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi LIST OF FIGURES XII LIST OF TABLES XIV LIST OF PLATES xv LIST OF APPENDICES xvi CHAPTER ONE 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Introduction 1 1.2. Motivation for Study 1 1.3. Aim 4 1.4. Objectives 5 1.5. Structure of the Dissertation 5 1.5.1. Literature Review 5 1.5.2. Vervet Monkeys in South Africa 6 1.5.3. Study Area 6 1.5.4. Methodology 7 1.5.5. Results 7 1.5.6. Discussion 7 1.5.7. Conclusion and Recommendations 8 1.6. Conclusion 8 CHAPTER TWO 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 9 2.1. Introduction 9 2.2. The Urban Environment 10 2.2.1. What is a City? 10 2.2.2. Urbanisation Projections 12 2.3. Nature in the City 14 2.3.1. A History of the City and Nature 14 (a) The First Cities 15 (b) Antiquity: Greek and Roman Empires 17 (c) The Middle Ages and Renaissance 20 vii (d) The Industrial Revolution 23 (e) The Twentieth Century 28 2.3.2. Reshaping the Land 36 2.3.3. Impacts of Habitat Destruction & Fragmentation 40 (a) Habitat Destruction 41 (b) Habitat Fragmentation 42 2.4. Urban Ecology and Conservation 45 2.4.1. Background to Urban Conservation 45 2.4.2. What is Urban Conservation? 47 2.4.3. Motivation for Conservation 48 (a) Religion and Philosophy 48 (b) Utilitarian 49 (c) Physical Benefits 50 (d) Psychological and Recreational Benefits 51 (e) Education and Futurity 52 (f) Biodiversity 52 (g) Economic Benefits 52 (h) Environmentalism 53 2.4.4. Solutions: Planning and Mitigation 54 (a) Metropolitan Open Space System 54 (b) Environmental Impact Assessment 62 2.4.5. Conclusion 66 2.5. Problem Animals 66 2.5.1. What Exactly is a Problem Animal? 66 2.5.2. Methods of Control of Problem Animals 68 2.5.3. Lessons from Cougars 70 2.6. Conclusion 74 CHAPTER THREE 3. VERVET MONKEYS IN SOUTH AFRICA 75 3.1. Introduction 75 3.2. Durban Metropolitan Open Space System 75 3.2.1. Phase 1: Metropolitan Open Space System 75 3.2.2. Phase 2: D'MOSS 76 3.2.3. Phase 3: D'MOSS Framework Plan 76 3.2.4. Phase 4: EESMP 76 3.2.5. Phase 5: Programme to Secure Open Space As 77 3.2.6. Phase 6: Biodiversity Working Forum 77 viii 3.3. Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus 78 3.3.1. Taxonomy and Classification 78 3.3.2. Basic Description 79 3.3.3. Distribution 80 3.3.4. Habitat and Adaptability 81 3.4. The Status of the Vervet Monkey 83 3.4.1. Draft Regulations 84 (a) Objectives 84 (b) Steps 85 3.5. Conclusion 89 CHAPTER FOUR 4. BACKGROUND 90 4.1. Introduction 90 4.2. Background 90 4.3. The City of Durban 91 4.4. Westville 93 4.5. Palmiet and Roosfontein Nature Reserves 96 4.6. Conclusion 99 CHAPTER FIVE 5. METHODOLOGY 100 5.1. Introduction 100 5.2. Background 100 5.2.1. Philosophical Approach 100 5.2.2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research 102 5.3. Data Collection 103 5.3.1. Primary Data 103 (a) Questionnaire Surveys 103 (b) Interviews 106 5.3.2. Secondary Data 109 (a) Orthographic Photography 110 (b) Literature Review 114 (c) Newspaper Articles & Letters to the Edito 114 (d) Records from CROW 116 5.4.
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