Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, has conducted a specialized training program aimed at equipping frontline forest staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon. The initiative, supported by The Habitats Trust and the Primate Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), focused on developing conservation strategies to mitigate threats to this rare primate species.
Understanding the Western Hoolock Gibbon
The Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), also known as the “Ape of India,” is one of the few primates found in the country. It predominantly inhabits the seven northeastern states of India, particularly on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and east of the Debang River.
Despite its ecological significance, the Western Hoolock Gibbon faces severe threats, including:
- Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation and development projects.
- Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
- Encroachment on its natural habitat by human settlements.
- Lack of awareness and conservation knowledge among field-level forest staff.
Objectives of the Training Program
Recognizing the urgent need for specialized conservation efforts, Aaranyak designed a week-long residential training course aimed at empowering frontline forest guards with scientific and practical knowledge on Hoolock Gibbon conservation.
According to Dr. Dilip Chetry, Senior Primatologist and Head of Aaranyak’s Primate Research and Conservation Division, the training program focused on:
✔ Identification and monitoring of Hoolock gibbons in their natural habitat.
✔ Understanding gibbon behavior and social structures.
✔ Conservation research methods to track population trends.
✔ Hands-on field exercises to develop practical conservation skills.
Training Conducted at Gibbon Conservation Centre
The 8th batch of this training program took place at the Gibbon Conservation Centre, located within the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Mariani, Assam.
Thirteen forest guards from different forest divisions, including Doomdomma, Digboi, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Jorhat, participated in the program. Among them, four were female participants, marking an encouraging step toward inclusivity in conservation efforts.
Forest Officials Appreciate Aaranyak’s Efforts
The program was formally inaugurated on January 23 by Nandha Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Jorhat Forest Division. During the inauguration, he highlighted the importance of practical conservation training and thanked Aaranyak for its continued support in training newly recruited frontline forest staff. “It is crucial that the knowledge gained in this training is applied in the field. Conservation of the Hoolock Gibbon requires active participation from forest officials, researchers, and local communities,” Kumar stated.
Field Training and Practical Exercises
One of the key aspects of the training program was practical field exercises, where participants learned about:
- Surveying gibbon populations using scientific methods.
- Mapping habitat locations and identifying crucial corridors for conservation.
- Implementing anti-poaching strategies to protect gibbons from illegal hunting.
- Community engagement techniques to involve local populations in conservation initiatives.
The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary served as an ideal location for hands-on training, as it houses one of the most significant populations of Western Hoolock Gibbons in Assam.
Importance of the Initiative in Conservation
The collaboration between Aaranyak, Assam Forest Department, and international conservation organizations highlights the increasing recognition of scientific training in wildlife protection. The program is expected to:
✔ Enhance the efficiency of frontline forest staff in handling conservation challenges.
✔ Reduce human-wildlife conflicts through better habitat management.
✔ Strengthen long-term monitoring programs for endangered primates.
✔ Promote community-based conservation efforts by creating awareness among local populations.
A Step Towards Gibbon Conservation in Northeast India
The training program conducted by Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department represents a crucial step in protecting the Western Hoolock Gibbon. By educating and empowering forest staff, the initiative ensures that conservation efforts are scientifically driven, well-executed, and sustainable.
As habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten this endangered primate, such collaborative training programs play a vital role in securing the future of Hoolock Gibbons in India. With consistent efforts from conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities, Assam can emerge as a leading state in primate conservation in the years to come.