Hoolock Gibbon conservation efforts are at risk as Assam has recommended forest clearance for an oil and gas project within the eco-sensitive zone of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the endangered Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only gibbons.
About Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Jorhat, Assam.
- Unique Features:
- Only sanctuary in India named after gibbons; Supports the largest density of gibbons in the country.
- Nocturnal Primate: It also shelters the Bengal Slow Loris, North-eastern India’s only nocturnal primate.
About Hoolock Gibbons
- Arboreal and diurnal, living in monogamous pairs with a diet of fruits, insects, and leaves.
Native Range:
- Countries: Eastern Bangladesh, Northeast India, Myanmar, and Southwest China.
- Indian States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Species:
- Western Hoolock Gibbon: Found in northeast India, eastern Bangladesh, and north-west Myanmar.
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Found in specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, as well as southern China and north-east Myanmar.
Characteristics:
- Second-largest gibbons after the siamang.
- Males are black with white brows; Females have grey-brown fur.
Behavior and Social Structure:
- Social Structure: Live in monogamous pairs.
- Territoriality: Pairs establish and defend their own territory.
IUCN Status:
- Western Hoolock: Endangered.
- Eastern Hoolock: Vulnerable.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Both are in Schedule I
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the unique feature of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam?
It supports the largest density of gibbons in India.
What is the native range of Hoolock Gibbons in India?
They are found in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
What is the diet of Hoolock Gibbons?
They feed on fruits, insects, and leaves in the wild.
Which species of Hoolock Gibbon is found in northeast India?
The Western Hoolock Gibbon is found in northeast India.
What is the Indian States where Hoolock Gibbons are found?
They are found in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.