EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE CLARIFIES POSITION ON PLANNED PRIVATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION
17 October 2025
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo) has been made aware of the planned wildlife management intervention, which is organised by the Hibiscus Retirement Village and other stakeholders. It is not an Ezemvelo initiative. All enquiries for specific information regarding this event should be directed to the organisers.
In light of public interest, Ezemvelo wishes to provide the following factual context based on current Provincial Conservation legislation. Vervet Monkeys are classified as mammals and are subject to the requirements as set out in the Mammals Chapter of the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, No. 15 of 1974. As such, no permit is required from Ezemvelo to hunt, shoot, or capture a Vervet Monkey on privately owned land.
Ezemvelo Animal Scientist: Mammals and Birds, Brent Coverdale, highlighted the severe health impacts of human waste on primate populations. "Some literature notes the impact of processed foods and unnatural sugars on primates. Within South Africa, the ultra-processed diets of humans and the waste generated are leading to birthing complications within Vervet Monkeys, and Type II diabetes is starting to be recorded in Chacma Baboons." The disruption within the natural systems has resulted in vervets seeking these high-sugar foods whilst simultaneously losing any fear of man.
Coverdale further stated that. "This dietary change, combined with the species' intelligence and ability to exploit niches within the environment, is why proper waste management is so critical to reducing conflict."
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife continues to advise that the most effective, long-term solution to human-wildlife conflict is the proper securing and management of waste to remove this artificial food source.
For all enquiries regarding the planned wildlife management intervention on 26 October 2025, please contact the Hibiscus Retirement Village management directly on 039 312 5000.