Hoolock Gibbon

Recently, a stranded family of Hoolock gibbons was successfully rescued in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh by forest and wildlife officials, highlighting ongoing conservation efforts for India’s only ape species.

About Hoolock Gibbon

Hoolock gibbons belong to the family of gibbons, which are the smallest and fastest of all apes.
They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia.
The hoolock gibbon is one of the 20 gibbon species found globally and holds special significance as the only ape species found in India.

Distribution of Hoolock Gibbon

The species is distributed across India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and southern China.
In India, hoolock gibbons are found south of the Brahmaputra River in the states of:
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Tripura
Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (Assam) has the largest population of hoolock gibbons in the country.

Species Classification

Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) – Found across most of Northeast India
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) – Restricted to eastern Arunachal Pradesh

Key Characteristics

Diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their life in trees
Move primarily by brachiation using their long arms
Monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds
Live in small family groups
Communicate through loud vocalisations
Average lifespan: around 25 years

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List

Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable
Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered

Legal Protection in India

Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing the highest level of legal protection.

Threats (Value Addition)

Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and infrastructure projects
Forest fires and agricultural expansion
Low reproductive rate due to monogamous behaviour and small family size

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

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