YWP Podcast Season 6 Episode 5 - Chacma Baboons, Human Conflict and the Meaning of Coexistence with Dr Paula Pebsworth

In this episode, Gabby is joined by primatologist Dr Paula Pebsworth from the Chacma Baboon Project for a thoughtful conversation about one of southern Africa’s most intelligent, adaptable and often misunderstood animals: the chacma baboon.

Baboons are deeply social animals with complex relationships, strong learning abilities and important ecological roles, yet they are also frequently at the centre of human-wildlife conflict. From farms and homes to waste, crops and tourism spaces, the overlap between people and baboons can quickly become emotional, difficult and deeply divided.

Paula shares the story behind the Chacma Baboon Project in Limpopo, her research across the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, and the importance of combining science, local knowledge and lived experience when looking for practical ways forward. The conversation explores why conflict happens, how baboons learn to use human spaces, the damage caused by feeding and easy access to food, and why coexistence requires understanding from both sides.

This episode is not only about baboons. It is about what happens when wildlife and people share the same landscapes, and how curiosity, research, responsibility and community action can help us move beyond fear and frustration towards more informed coexistence.

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Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

Links from show: [email protected]