Local newsNews

Concern for troop of monkeys following M4 reopening

Monkey Helpline says the installation of monkey bridges across the M4 may be the answer to curb the killing of monkeys.

DURBAN-based animal rescue organisation, Monkey Helpline, has urged motorists using the M4 Ruth First Highway, between uMhlanga and eMdloti, to be extra vigilant due to a troop of vervet monkeys crossing the busy highway.

A section of the road (between uMhlanga and Sibaya) which had been closed for eight months led to an increase of several wild animals, moongoose, duiker and monkeys using the highway to cross over to the uMhlanga Lagoon and Reserve.

However since the start of last week, when the road reopened following repairs, a total of nine monkeys had been hit and killed on the stretch of road, said Carol Booth of Monkey Helpline.

Related story: Increase in Vervet monkey shootings says animal rescue organization

“The urban wildlife have gotten used to being able to reclaim this part of their territory. They have once again started crossing the freeway and not having to worry or stress about the fast moving cars travelling along the road. With the road once again open to traffic, the wildlife are being annihilated on this fast moving stretch of freeway. We desperately need to set up overhead bridges for the monkeys on this stretch of road and with so many animals crossing here daily, signs need to be erected and the speed limit reduced.

“Unfortunately we’ve seen nine monkeys from one particular troop killed on this stretch. I’m appealing to motorists frequenting the highway to be on the lookout especially as they are getting used to the fact that the road is now unsafe and dangerous to cross. We are also working with a local student who is conducting a study on the use of monkey bridges and our hope is put one in place on this stretch. Of course we would have to work with the City and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife about the possibility but we feel this could be one way to save the monkeys,” she said.

 

 


Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

 

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.

For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Shiraz Habbib

Shiraz has been a community journalist for the last 12 years and has a specific interest in everything sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts undergrad degree and honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he majored in Communications, Anthropology and English.

Related Articles

Back to top button