Hi just what to know if it is legal to have a Monocentropus balfouri (Socotra Island Blue Baboon) in SA?

Yes it is. Why do you think it wouldn't be?

I just wandered because of the baboon part in the name

M balfouri "probably" originated from Africa a few trillion moments ago, as did Monocentropus lambertoni, now found only in Madagascar (and a few enclosures in Europe/America/Cape Town). I am not aware of a common name for M lambertoni. As African Theraphosids are generally called "Baboon Spiders", it is likely that the name just stuck. The rest of the world would refer to Tarantulas, rather then Baboon Spiders. One could easily refer to M balfouri as Socotra Blue Tarantula, but Blue Baboon is much more pleasant on the ear.

Not fact, just my personal theory. Check with OBT for facts... :laugh:

The Stromatopelma calceatum (Featherleg baboon) and Heteroscodra maculata (Togo starburst baboon) are also baboon spiders actually originating from Africa. They are legal. It has more to do with some species being close relatives to ours than having the word baboon in their common names.

But that's just my opinion.

Ok thanx for the reply everyone