Nyagatare city residents are growing increasingly worried about the surge in baboon sightings within the area. These primates, according to locals, are wreaking havoc by raiding shops and destroying crops, while city rooftops serve as their relaxation spots, leading to damage to roofing materials. Cyprian Ntambara, a motorcyclist and resident of Nyagatare Sector, expressed concern over the significant growth in the baboon population over the years, emphasizing the need for action to address their presence in the neighborhood. ALSO READ: Rwanda ranks 6th in wildlife conservation in Africa The baboons in the city are very disturbing, he said. They damage house roofings, raid gardens, spoil beans, maize, and fruit trees. The presence of baboons poses a threat to safety, particularly for parents with toddlers. In some instances, the baboons even enter residential areas in search of food. The baboons primarily inhabit the Muvumba catchment area, providing them with ample opportunity to roam the city during the daytime. However, their frequent encounters with residents often result in aggression, with occasional attacks reported, raising concerns about potential disease transmission to the community. Xavier Nsengamungu, a shopkeeper in Nyagatare, believes relocating the baboons to a more suitable habitat away from residential areas would be the best solution. Others suggest implementing deterrent measures such as installing fences to address the issue. Nsengamungu expressed frustration over ongoing baboon raids, citing instances where his shop and neighboring residences were targeted, with food items stolen and carried away. ALSO READ: Experts call for more involvement of policymakers in wildlife conservation Residents are calling for swift action and urging local authorities to address the escalating baboon population in Nyagatare. Nyagatare District Mayor Stephen Gasana emphasized the need for a sustainable solution, stating that discussions are underway with relevant authorities to tackle the issue. In the interim, teams have been deployed to monitor and prevent baboons from encroaching further into urban areas. Health experts warn of the risks posed by human-wildlife interactions, highlighting the potential transmission of diseases such as tuberculosis between humans and baboons. They recommend measures to reduce such interactions, including creating buffer zones between settlements and wild areas, implementing proper waste management systems, and educating communities on the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals.
