The Cape Times reported that Human Wildlife solutions, headed by behavioural ecologist Philip Richardson, would take on the task from Wednesday.

The R10 million contract would span the next two years.

The City of Cape Town confirmed the company would place collars on dominant baboons to track them.

It would also provide training to baboon monitors and use paintballs, bear bangers (flares which emit a gunshot noise) and pepper spray to deter baboons from entering urban areas.

According to the report, the management of baboons was a contentious issue with many scientists and experts advocating different ways of handling the creatures.

Many baboons along the peninsula had become used to humans, often raiding homes and displaying aggressive behaviour.