Data from: Extreme behavioural shifts by baboons exploiting risky, resource-rich, human-modified environments

A range of species exploit anthropogenic food resources in behaviour known
as ‘raiding’. Such behavioural flexibility is considered a central
component of a species’ ability to cope with human-induced environmental
changes. Here, we study the behavioural processes by which raiding male
chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) exploit the opportunities and mitigate the
risks presented by raiding in the suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa.
Ecological sampling and interviews conducted with ‘rangers’ (employed to
manage the baboons’ space use) revealed that baboons are at risk of being
herded out of urban spaces that contain high-energy anthropogenic food
sources. Baboon-attached motion/GPS tracking collars showed that raiding
male baboons spent almost all of their time at the urban edge, engaging in
short, high-activity forays into the urban space. Moreover, activity
levels were increased where the likelihood of deterrence by rangers was
greater. Overall, these raiding baboons display a time-activity balance
that is drastically altered in comparison to individuals living in more
remote regions. We suggest our methods can be used to obtain precise
estimates of management impact for this and other species in conflict with
people.