Hoolock Gibbon

Hoolock Gibbon

Hoolock Gibbon Latest News

Recently, a stranded family of Hoolock gibbons was rescued in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district by officials.

About Hoolock Gibbon

  • Gibbons, the smallest and fastest of all apes, live in tropical and subtropical forests in the southeastern part of Asia.
  • The hoolock gibbon is one of 20 species of gibbons on Earth. 

Distribution of Hoolock Gibbon

  • Its distribution in Southeast Asia spans India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and southern China.
  • It is the only ape found in India.
  • In India, it is found in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, south of the Brahmaputra.
    • Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam has the largest concentration of the hoolock gibbon.
  • It is categorised into Eastern Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) found in a specific region of Arunachal Pradesh and Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) distributed elsewhere in the northeast. 

Characteristics of Hoolock Gibbon

  • They are diurnal and arboreal, brachiating through the trees with their long arms.
  • They are monogamous (same partner throughout life).
  • They live in small families and communicate with other gibbons by vocalisation.
  • Life span: 25 years

Conservation Status of Hoolock Gibbon

  • IUCN Red List
    • Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable 
    • Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered
  • Both are on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.

Source: The Print

Hoolock Gibbon FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of Hoolock Gibbon?

Ans: Hylobates hoolock

Q2: What is unique about Hoolock Gibbons?

Ans: They are known for their distinctive vocalizations

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