GUWAHATI: A series of educational campaigns aimed at conserving the Hoolock gibbon, an endangered ape species found in Assam, was launched on Tuesday in the fringes of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jorhat district.
Organised by Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation, these ambitious campaigns target schoolchildren living near the sanctuary.
Dr Dilip Chetry, head of Aaranyak’s Primate Research and Conservation Division, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in introducing students to the Hoolock gibbon and motivating them to participate in its conservation.
“So far, our efforts have reached 18 schools, engaging around 2000 students in learning about various aspects of Hoolock gibbon conservation,” stated Dr Chetry.
Supported by the Habitats Trust and the Assam Forest Department, the educational campaigns involved presentations on the importance of Hoolock gibbons and Assam’s primate diversity, along with the screening of wildlife-themed cartoon films.
The sessions concluded with the distribution of posters, stickers, and a book on Hoolock gibbon conservation.
Dr Chetry added, “Through this campaign, we aim to ensure the continued thriving of Western Hoolock Gibbons in their natural habitat. Collaborative efforts with local communities and government agencies are essential for achieving this goal.”
The resource persons for the programmes included Aaranyak’s Simanta Medhi, Pitam Jyoti Gore, Akshay Kumar Upadhyaya, Jibon Borah, and Ranjit Saikia.
The Western Hoolock Gibbon is a unique primate species found exclusively in the seven states of the Northeast, primarily along the south bank of the Brahmaputra-Dibang River system.
With its distinctive calls and agile tree-dwelling behavior, the Western Hoolock Gibbon is a vital part of Assam’s rich biodiversity.
Despite its significance to Assam’s biodiversity, the species is endangered due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting.
