Question
UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:
With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
- They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
- They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 2: 1 and 2
Detailed Solution
Explanation:
- The Western Hoolock Gibbon is native to North-east India, and the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam is a prominent protected area specifically dedicated to this species. The Western Hoolock Gibbon is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. So, statement 1 is correct.
- Gibbons are highly arboreal canopy-dwellers that move primarily through brachiation swinging between trees using their arms. They have exceptionally long arms designed precisely for this specialised locomotion. So, statement 2 is correct.
- Gibbons are small, lightweight apes, the exact opposite of gorillas, which are large-bodied and heavy. Gibbons' agility is precisely because of their slender, light build, not despite a heavy one. Describing them as having a "strong and heavy build like gorillas" is factually wrong. So, statement 3 is not correct.
Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer
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Last updated on June, 2026
