Planting for monkeys: Part 2 – Advice from Ballito Rescue

In a plight to stop the fight between monkey and man, Ballito Rescue are urging people to plant fruit trees to encourage monkeys to forage naturally instead of home shopping for food.

Ballito Rescue’s Laura van Rooyen said monkeys are born tree dwellers so opting for indigenous plants and fruit trees will add a source of natural food and provide shelter for them.

“Keep in mind that planting indigenous plants are not an instant fix to monkey problems, as the plants will need a few months to a number of years of growing before they reach a big enough size and bear fruit,” said Van Rooyen.

Also read: Monkeys: to feed or not to feed? Advice from Ballito Rescue

Try out these indigenous fruitbearing trees that monkeys go mad for: Natal plum, Natal fig and avocado trees.

“Even when you have a garden full of indigenous plants, monkeys will probably still take every chance they can get to come into your house or vegetable, fruit or flower garden for the food they hope to find there.”

If you do not have an indigenous garden, it is not a problem, as she said monkeys will also enjoy exotic species.

“Planting paw-paw and banana trees will feed monkeys, as will many of the exotic plants found in most gardens.”

She said you need to try go as organic as possible with your fruit trees, using organic fertilisers and staying away from any harsh pesticides.

The North Coast Courier Facebook follower Belinda Wheeler-Duncan said she has planted fruit trees in her garden and has had good results. “The monkeys especially enjoy the figs. I live right next to a stream and green belt where they live so monkeys in my garden is a daily thing, but they rarely upset me.

“They were here before me and I am OK with that.

“They never come into my home as I have dogs and I do not feed them myself,” said Wheeler-Duncan.

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