29 Oct 2025
The audience appreciated expert knowledge on a topic plagued by the spread of misinformation.
On 29 October 2025, Professor of Biological Sciences from UCT, Justin O'Riain, addressed the controversial issue of baboon management at the Franschhoek Theatre.
His talk was acknowledged and promoted by the Bolander in this article in the lead-up to the talk.
At the core of this discussion, and the broader topic, is the recognition that throughout human evolutionary history and the path to industrial development, we haven't always dominated the food chain. This is a crucial aspect to consider when examining why persistent tensions exist between humans and animals. There was a period when survival was a matter of 'us or them.' However, continuing this mindset, even as many existential threats have been largely removed, has rapidly led to an ecological crisis.
While his presentation focused specifically on the challenges of managing baboons, the concepts discussed are relevant to numerous situations where human expansion has intruded on the habitats of other animals, resulting in conflict that often has severe impacts on these animals and their survival. Prof O'Riain serves as a director of iCWild (the Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa), an organisation dedicated to addressing human-wildlife conflict and exploring ways to achieve genuine coexistence with other species. This necessitates the careful management of both people and wildlife.
When human-wildlife conflicts have socio-economic and political dimensions, the importance of public education on these issues cannot be overlooked. This is especially critical when misinformation is widespread, and narratives may be distorted to favour perspectives that intensify existing tensions and underlying problems.
In baboon management, we frequently fall into numerous traps set by the social media channels we use. Prof. O'Riain's presentation highlighted how public opinion is often influenced by the narratives we encounter, which can be counterproductive despite good intentions. This influence often manifests as emotional appeals and the indiscriminate rejection of creating clear boundaries between humans and other species. Although these boundaries require strong deterrents like fences, paintball guns, and even culling to prevent habituation, they are, in fact, the most sustainable way to coexist. It's not a pleasant reality, but one that must be approached wisely, considering the entire system.
These were a few of the transformative mindset changes that Prof O'Riain initiated with his talk—the exact type of platform for perspective and behavioral change that SmallTalX aims to facilitate and support through public lectures.
Prof O'Riain is definitely scheduled to join us to provide this invaluable insight in both the Deep South and the Helderberg area in the upcoming months. We look forward to seeing you there!