Daily Current Affairs : 17-July-2023
In recent news, a significant event took place in the Hainan province of China – the first meeting of the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) aimed at safeguarding the Hoolock gibbon. Gibbons, the smallest and fastest of all apes, are facing alarming threats to their survival, and concerted efforts are being made to protect them and their habitat.
Gibbons: Small and Intelligent Apes
Gibbons are fascinating creatures that inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia. The Hoolock gibbon, unique to India’s northeast region, is one of the 20 species of gibbons known to exist. Highly intelligent and with distinct personalities, they form strong family bonds, resembling other apes in their behavior. Sadly, since 1900, their distribution and populations have seen a sharp decline, leaving only small populations scattered across tropical rainforests.
Characteristics of Gibbons
Gibbons are known for their energetic vocal displays, creating a symphony of sounds in the forests they inhabit. Initially, they were primarily found in Assam, India. These apes are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, and they are superbly adapted to life in the trees (arboreal). Their diet is omnivorous, allowing them to feed on a variety of fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals.
Types of Hoolock Gibbons in India
Zoologists initially classified two species of hoolock gibbons in India – the eastern and western hoolock gibbons. However, a 2021 study by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad provided evidence through genetic analysis that there is, in fact, only one species of gibbon in India. This finding has important implications for their conservation strategies and understanding of their genetic diversity.
Threats to the Hoolock Gibbon
The primary threat to the Hoolock gibbon’s survival is deforestation caused by various infrastructure projects. As human activities continue to encroach upon their habitat, these apes face the loss of their homes and food sources. Additionally, the illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to their populations, with individuals being captured for the pet trade or traditional medicine.
Conservation Efforts and Status
Recognizing the critical situation faced by Hoolock gibbons, conservation organizations and governments worldwide have taken steps to protect these remarkable creatures. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Western hoolock gibbon as endangered and the Eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable. Additionally, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India lists gibbons under Schedule I, providing them the highest level of legal protection in the country.
The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) Meeting
The recent meeting of the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) in China marks a pivotal step in gibbon conservation efforts. The GGN brings together experts, researchers, and conservationists from around the world to collaborate on the preservation of gibbons and their habitats. By fostering international cooperation, the GGN aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by gibbons and develop effective conservation strategies.
Important Points:
- Recently, the first meeting of the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) was held in China to save the Hoolock gibbon.
- Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes and are found in tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia.
- The Hoolock gibbon, unique to India’s northeast, is one of the 20 species of gibbons known to exist.
- Gibbons are highly intelligent creatures with distinct personalities and strong family bonds.
- Gibbon distribution and populations have drastically decreased since 1900 due to deforestation and other threats.
- The Hoolock gibbon faces the primary threat of deforestation caused by infrastructure projects.
- Zoologists initially believed there were two species of Hoolock gibbons in India, but genetic analysis revealed only one species exists.
- The Western hoolock gibbon is classified as endangered and the Eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable by the IUCN.
- Gibbons are known for their energetic vocal displays and are diurnal and arboreal.
- Their diet is omnivorous, allowing them to consume a variety of fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals.
- The illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to Hoolock gibbon populations.
- The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India lists gibbons under Schedule I, providing them the highest level of legal protection.
- The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) meeting brings together experts, researchers, and conservationists to collaborate on gibbon preservation.
- The GGN aims to address the challenges faced by gibbons and develop effective conservation strategies.
- International cooperation is crucial for effective gibbon conservation efforts.
Why In News
Recently, the Hainan province of China hosted the inaugural meeting of the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) in a collaborative effort to protect the endangered Hoolock gibbon species. During the gathering, experts from around the world joined forces to devise innovative strategies and action plans aimed at safeguarding the gibbon’s habitat and promoting conservation efforts on a global scale.
MCQs about Preserving the Hoolock Gibbon
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Which organization recently held the first meeting to save the Hoolock gibbon?
A) Global Gibbon Network (GGN)
B) Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
C) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
D) Wildlife Protection Act
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What is the primary threat to the survival of Hoolock gibbons?
A) Illegal wildlife trade
B) Genetic analysis
C) Deforestation caused by infrastructure projects
D) Lack of international cooperation
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What is the conservation status of the Western hoolock gibbon according to the IUCN?
A) Endangered
B) Vulnerable
C) Critically endangered
D) Extinct
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