World’s southernmost baboon troop spotted in De Hoop Nature Reserve

A troop of baboons, believed to be the southernmost one in the world, has been spotted in the Western Cape.

It marked a rare and exciting sighting for local conservationists, Baboon Matters.

A team from the organisation got footage of the troop during a recent visit to the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Baboon Matters has worked for over 25 years to protect South Africa’s baboons amid growing threats from urban development and agriculture.

“They have spotted baboon troops in the most southern point of the world!” said Primedia Digital Editor Barbara Friedman.

Chacma baboons are native to southern Africa.

“Chacma baboons are only found in countries like South Africa and some of the countries around us,” explained Friedman.

Baboon Matters has never seen troops so far South.

"They're very much part of the Cape Peninsula biodiversity area."

To listen to Barbara Friedman in conversation with Clarence Ford on CapeTalk's Views and News show, use the audio player below: