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. 

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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