An endangered hoolock gibbon was electrocuted after coming into contact with a high-tension power line near a railway track inside the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district.
Sources said that the incident occurred on February 9, when the gibbon tried to jump between trees while crossing the railway line that runs through the sanctuary.
During the leap, the animal reportedly touched a 25,000-volt overhead electric wire above the track and died on the spot.
As per reports, the gibbon was later discovered hanging from the overhead cable near an electric pole. Forest department officials have confirmed that the deceased animal was an adult male.
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Officials also stated that this was the first incident in the area after the installation of new electrified railway line.
Sources also alleged that efforts were made by the Forest Department to prevent the incident from becoming public, sparking concerns about transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of wildlife protection measures in the sanctuary, particularly in areas intersected by railway lines and power infrastructure.
The railway track has been a risk for wildlife, especially tree-dwelling animals like the hillock gibbon. However, the recent electrification on the track, without safety measures, has made the danger much worse.
