Along Plateau Road.
Foraging in the pine trees.
In the stand of blue gums.
Feasting on pine cones.
It’s a slow process.
Looks enjoyable.
Deconstructed, well gnawed.
The agile juvenile baboons.
Taking a break.
A spot of grooming.
Playtime.
Gymnastics.
Fearless.
Confident agility.
A baboon troop forages along Plateau Road near the Cape Point Nature reserve.
Nature on the Edge 
Great series. I bet they are fascinating to observe.
You’re right Eliza, they’re fascinating to observe. There ‘re 15 separate troops living around the southern peninsula – on the urban edge and in the Cape Point Reserve. Beyond watching their social behaviour it’s also interesting to observe how they have adapted to living in their local ‘niches’ – the differences in landscapes and available vegetation. Doctorates have been written on various aspects – spatial ecology, social hierarchy, health, etc. Many angles of interest 😊
I can see how you’d get hooked on it!
What Eliza says – great images. The holidaymakers have all buggered off and the troop, looking fat, sassy and eminently healthy is left to chill out – in every way and at any angle – undisturbed. It’s really good to see them looking so smug and self-satisfied.
Thank goodness it’s not often that the Plateau Road troop are on the road, but at this time of the year they come for the pine nuts. I I reckon this troop being the least interfered with (managed) is probably the most laid back? Tho’ I have seen HWS Rangers on occasion. Happily while I was stopped the tourist buses, vehicles – including a touring sidecar motorcycle with a pillion passenger, all stuck to the rules, no one got out and there was no food enticement either. But the scenes at Castle Rock weren’t so encouraging. Highlights the need for conservation awareness and keeping a check on people. Cape Nature’s job!
beautifully observed Liz 🙂
Thanks Jude. Happy with results using latest Nikon 80 – 400mm lens and upgraded to D810 (fabulous camera).
That’s a long lens! You’ll be able to get very close 🙂
OMG, 😀 how heavy is the l80-400mm lens, I wonder?
Hi Dina, love this lens, it’s relatively light 1570g, and on my Nikon 810 is my preferred travel kit. With it’s VR function it can be handheld and still get sharp focus, than having to lug a tripod along.
Spending time with baboons is always rewarding. Wonderful series, Liz!
Agreed! They’re fascinating – and in this scene they really showed off their agility in the trees, jumping between huge gaps, shimmying up in style. Feeling sad for them tho as the pine trees are being ring-barked/ poisoned – another source of protein out of the equation.
Totally fascinating to watch all the antics
True! They’re amazing captivating creatures.
Not much wasted there!
🙂 right down to the nibbled quick! It appears to be a very satisfying snack.
So cute serie of photos. The are so cute and fascinating to watch.
Thanks Lena, they’re all absorbing to watch…. could stay for hours if not for the obligations of the day.
How wonderful to have such creatures nearby Liz, you have some beautiful captures of them, do they cause any problem to residents, or are they in the reserves?
Yes we’re lucky to have these beautiful primates – 5 different troops in the nearby vicinity. About 500 in 15 troops in all. 5 of the troops are in the Cape Point Nature reserve and the rest are in trapped in pockets of vegetation between various suburbs. The City has contracted a wildlife management company to keep the troops out of suburban areas. Easier said than done, as in some areas the residents don’t play their part in securing easy food options or practising good refuse waste management. Generally the baboons take the rap and sadly many have been euthenased for becoming ‘raiders’.