GUWAHATI: A training programme aimed at enhancing research, training, and conservation efforts for the endangered Hoolock gibbon in Northeast was successfully conducted at the Gibbon Conservation Centre of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Jorhat.
The week-long residential training, which commenced ended on Wednesday, was organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with the Jorhat Forest Division of the Assam Forest Department, with support from The Habitats Trust, IUCN SSC Primate Specialists Group, and IUCN Primate section of small apes.
The convocation of the training, held on April 2, was graced by Nandha Kumar, IFS, DFO, Jorhat Forest Division, who expressed gratitude to Aaranyak for their efforts and encouraged continued collaboration in primate conservation initiatives.
The training, attended by 30 forest guards, foresters, and range officers, covered a wide range of topics essential for primate conservation, including biodiversity in Northeast, primate conservation with special reference to Hoolock gibbon, census techniques, habitat monitoring, rescue and rehabilitation, legal orientation, and more.
DFO Kumar inaugurated the training programme and urged participants to leverage the knowledge gained to contribute to the conservation of Hoolock gibbons and biodiversity at large.
Dr Dilip Chetry, a conservation scientist at Aaranyak, a biodiversity organisation, stressed on the critical role of habitat fragmentation and hunting as major threats to gibbons in India.
He stressed the importance of equipping frontline staff with adequate knowledge and awareness to address these challenges effectively.
The training faculty included experts from various fields, including Dr IC Baruah from Assam Agricultural University, Dr Prabal Sarkar from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, and Ajoy Kumar Das from the Guwahati High Court, among others.
The successful completion of the training programme marks a significant step forward in the conservation efforts for the endangered Hoolock gibbon in the Northeast.
