Guwahati: Aaranyak, a leading organisation dedicated to research, training, and conservation in Northeast India, recently conducted specialized training programmes on Hoolock gibbon conservation in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department.
The training programmes aimed to address conservation challenges and promote a conservation mindset.
“The Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), often referred to as the “Ape of India” inhabits the seven northeastern states of India, primarily on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and east of the Debang River,” Dr. Dilip Chetry, head of Aaranyak’s Primate Research and Conservation Division, said.
“Unfortunately, poaching, habitat fragmentation, and encroachment pose significant threats to this endangered primate. Compounding these challenges is the limited awareness of Hoolock gibbon conservation strategies among different sectors of the public, including frontline forest staff,” Chetry further added.
The week-long residential course provided forest frontline staff with critical skills and knowledge necessary for Hoolock gibbon conservation.
The key topics covered during the training programme include biodiversity and conservation in Northeast India, primate conservation with a special focus on the Hoolock gibbon, gibbon census and population estimation techniques, data collection, reporting, habitat monitoring, floristic studies and habitat restoration, gibbon rescue and rehabilitation, GPS use in fieldwork, legal orientation on wildlife laws and their application.
The daily lectures were complemented by extensive field exercises, providing participants with hands-on experience in conservation research methods.
A total of 20 Forest officials from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam attended the training programme. Out of these 20 trainees, 14 were male and 6 female trainees.
Frontline forest staff from Doomdoma Forest Division, Digboi Forest Division, Dibrugarh Forest Division, Sivasagar Forest Division, Jorhat Forest Division, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and Kamlang Tiger Reserve attended the training programme.
The inaugural session, held on February 7, was chaired by Dr Dilip Chetry, a leading primatologist in India.
The training concluded with the distribution of study materials, including a manual, Hoolock gibbon books, posters, and participation certificates.
Angsuman Bhuyan, Forest Range officer, Mariani Range stressed the importance of applying the training to protect Hoolock gibbon habitats and conserve the species.
ALSO READ: Assam police files FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh
He expressed his appreciation for Aaranyak’s continued efforts in capacity building for Assam Forest Department staff, underscoring the critical role such initiatives play in the conservation of endangered species.
