HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, May 21: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak has launched a series of educational campaigns about hoolock gibbon conservation targeting schoolchildren living on the fringes of Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jorhat district of Assam. This ambitious series of campaigns aimed at conserving this precious species of ape is supported by The Habitats Trust and the state Forest department.
“These educational and awareness campaigns were focused on introducing the students to the hoolock gibbon (hoolock hoolock) – the only ape species in India, and to motivate them to come forward for the conservation of hoolock gibbon,” said Dr Dilip Chetry, head of Aaranyak’s Primate Research and Conservation Division.
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“As of now, the primate research and conservation division of the organisation has reached 18 schools and taught around 2000 students about various aspects of conservation of this threatened ape,” renowned primatologist Dr Chetry said. The western hoolock gibbon is a unique primate species found only in the seven states of north-east India and restricted to the south bank of the Brahmaputra-Dibang river system.
The campaign reached the following schools: Meleng Saiding LP School, Madhupur LP School, 659 No. Tuni Mukh Meleng Grant LP School, Naren Chatia Suworani Jatiya Vidyalaya, Fechual Jayshree High School, 95 No. Kaliapani Bagan LP School, Duklingia Bagisha LP School, 2 No. Jolotia Bonua LP School, Changchua Basti LP School, Dihingiapar 8 No. Pokaline LP School, Dihingiapar Bagan LP School, Kothalguri Bagan LP School, Thakurprasad ME School, Thakurprasad Public School, Hindubari Bagal LP School, Hindubari Masdur LP School, Adorcho Mising Janajatia LP School, and Adorcho Mising Janajatia High School.
The campaign began with a presentation on the importance of hoolock gibbons as well as the primate diversity of Assam and the need to conserve them. Additionally, cartoon films with a wildlife theme were screened. The education campaign concluded with the distribution of posters, stickers, and a book on Hoolock gibbon.
Dr Chetry said, “The western hoolock gibbon is a vital part of Assam’s rich biodiversity. Through this campaign, we aim to ensure that these incredible primates continue to thrive in their natural habitat. Our collaborative efforts with local communities and government agencies are key to achieving this goal.”
The western hoolock gibbon, known for its distinctive calls and agile tree-dwelling behaviour, is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. This comprehensive conservation campaign aims to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the gibbons in Assam.
Aaranyak’s Simanta Medhi, Pitam Jyoti Gore, Akshay Kumar Upadhyaya, Jibon Borah, and Ranjit Saikia were the resource persons during the programs.
