Central Idea

• The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.

Hoolock Gibbons

• They are a unique primate species, inhabit various regions across India’s northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
• These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.
• There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
• These gibbons play an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.

Conservation status

• IUCN Red List:

• 1. Western Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Endangered
  2. Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Vulnerable
• Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972: both listed on Schedule 1 of the

About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

• The HGS is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
• It was established in 1997 as a protected area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate species.
• The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
• Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
• It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.

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