BABOON SPIDERS/TARANTULAS
The legislation is clear in some aspects and not so much in other aspects. So let us clear a few things up:
- The word “baboon spider” is what we name tarantulas from South Africa. Baboon spiders are a subfamily of tarantulas native to Africa.
- Unfortunately in Western Cape, tarantulas and most exotic pets are illegal as it is a protected area. You can enquire more info from Cape nature.
- Obt “orange bity thing”, yes we all want one. No, none of us can have one. They are illegal. “Why”? you ask… Because although it is not a indigenous tarantula/baboon, it falls in the same Genus as some of our local baboons. (For example: Pterinochilus lapalala.)
- You can apply for permits to keep indigenous baboons but many has tried and most has failed (to get the permits).
Some good news. Not all baboon spiders need a permit (check with your province legislation, Western Cape definitely need permits). If you have any new or updated information, please forward it to us at Tim@petbugs.co.za
We have some that are legal to keep due to them being a dwarf baboon and not considered as a “true” baboon spider. The list look like follow:
Brachionopus annulatus
Brachionopus pretoriae
Brachionopus robustus
Brachionopus tristis
Harpactirella domicola
Harpactirella helenae
Harpactirella karrooica
Harpactirella lapidaria
Harpactirella lightfooti
Harpactirella longipes
Harpactirella magna
Harpactirella overdijki
Harpactirella scwarzi
Harpactirella spinosa
Harpactirella treleaveni
I will update the list once i have more time and more info 🙂 Please be patient with me. I am in the process of making a few videos and more information on the petbugs.co.za page.
Kind regards
Mandie Surman