Kenya: Baboons Eat Villagers' Livestock
24 September 2009



Nairobi — Baboons have killed at least 86 sheep and goats in one week in Bura District.

Residents of Kamaguru Location say persistent drought has forced the baboons to eat livestock.

According to area councillor Maulid Abdi Ali, the wild fruits that the animals normally feed on had dried up due to the prolonged dry conditions.

The attacks on livestock have led residents to bar their children from taking family herds to the grazing fields for fear of encountering the baboons.

Mr Ali said the wild animals mostly attack sheep and goats being grazed by children.

"When the boys run away, the animals seize the sheep or goats, tearing the flesh with their strong jaws," he said.

When the herdsmen are adults, the baboons normally waylay sheep and goats grazing separately from the rest of flock.

Mr Ali said Odowan area is the most affected.

The councillor called on Kenya Wildlife Service to take measures and contain the menace before the situation worsens and animals turns to human beings.

Kathi:
And yet, the American TV media whenever they portray baboons show them as practically "cute". I,once was close up to a troop of baboons while sitting in the truck. A big male and I got into a staring contest and the male began to click his teeth at me. The PH told me "Either stop that or shoot him - and it's illegal to shoot him". I was a lifelong hunter and never wanted to "kill" any animal except vermin and pests -but I sure wanted to really kill that baboon. The baboon was one of the three animals in Africa that I met and that I detested - meaning that I would like to have treated them like rats -to be shot on sight. (The other two were hyenas and crocodiles) Will there be any recompense to these folks?