Daily Current Affairs : 30-August-2023
In the heart of eastern Assam lies a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the western hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species. However, this noble cause faces a significant challenge: a 1.65-kilometer-long railway track that has divided their habitat. Primatologists and conservationists have come together to propose the rerouting of this railway track to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary and ensure the survival of the western hoolock gibbon.
The Western Hoolock Gibbon: A Unique Ape
Gibbons, the smallest and fastest of all apes, are remarkable creatures. Among them, the western hoolock gibbon stands out, being exclusive to India’s northeast region. Let’s explore this unique ape in more detail.
Habitation
Western hoolock gibbons are particularly sensitive to changes in their habitat. They thrive in jungles with tall trees along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra-Dibang river system, seeking refuge in the dense canopy.
Characteristics
Similar to their larger ape relatives, gibbons possess remarkable intelligence, distinct personalities, and strong family bonds. These diurnal, arboreal creatures are omnivorous and are renowned for their energetic vocal displays that echo through the lush forests they inhabit.
Threats
The primary threat to the western hoolock gibbon is deforestation, often driven by infrastructure projects like the railway track in question. As their habitat diminishes, the survival of this endangered species hangs in the balance.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the western hoolock gibbon as endangered. Additionally, it is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, highlighting its critical status.
Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary: A Haven for Wildlife
Now, let’s delve into the sanctuary itself, where the western hoolock gibbons find solace.
Location
Situated in the Jorhat district of Assam, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity. Its strategic location in the Assam plains allows for the coexistence of various ecosystems.
Flora
The sanctuary boasts a classification of “Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests” with pockets of wet evergreen forests. The presence of the Bhogdoi River creates waterlogged areas characterized by semi-hydrophytic plants, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
Fauna
The sanctuary is home to approximately 125 western hoolock gibbons, making it a crucial refuge for this endangered species. Moreover, it provides sanctuary to six other primate species, including the Assamese macaque, Bengal slow loris, capped langur, northern pig-tailed macaque, rhesus macaque, and stump-tailed macaque. This diversity underscores the importance of preserving the sanctuary’s integrity.
The Call for Railway Rerouting
In light of the sanctuary’s significance and the fragile status of the western hoolock gibbon, there is a growing consensus among primatologists and conservationists to reroute the railway track that divides their habitat. Such an action would not only protect this unique ape species but also safeguard the broader ecosystem of the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.
Important Points:
Western Hoolock Gibbon
- The western hoolock gibbon is India’s only ape species, found exclusively in the northeast region.
- They inhabit jungles with tall trees along the Brahmaputra-Dibang river system.
- Gibbons are highly intelligent, possess distinct personalities, and have strong family bonds.
- They are diurnal, arboreal, omnivorous, and known for energetic vocal displays.
- Deforestation, driven by infrastructure projects, is the primary threat to their survival.
- The western hoolock gibbon is classified as endangered by the IUCN and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- Located in the Jorhat district of Assam, this sanctuary features diverse ecosystems.
- The sanctuary’s flora includes “Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests” and wet evergreen forest patches.
- The Bhogdoi River contributes to the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity.
- It is home to about 125 western hoolock gibbons, a vital refuge for this endangered species.
- The sanctuary also houses six other primate species, including the Assamese macaque and Bengal slow loris.
The Call for Railway Rerouting
- Conservationists and primatologists propose rerouting a railway track that divides the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.
- Rerouting the railway is essential to protect the habitat of the western hoolock gibbons and preserve the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
- This action aims to secure the future of the endangered western hoolock gibbon and safeguard the broader biodiversity of the sanctuary.
Why In News
Primatologists have recommended the rerouting of a 1.65-kilometer railway track, which currently bisects an eastern Assam sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the western hoolock gibbon. This adjustment aims to ensure the gibbon population’s uninterrupted habitat and contribute to their long-term conservation.
MCQs about Western Hoolock Gibbons
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Where is the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary located?
A. Kerala
B. Jorhat district of Assam
C. Rajasthan
D. West Bengal
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How many primate species, in addition to the western hoolock gibbon, are mentioned as residing in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary?
A. None
B. Three
C. Six
D. Ten
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What conservation status has the IUCN assigned to the western hoolock gibbon?
A. Critically Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Endangered
D. Near Threatened
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