HOLLONGAPAR
SANCTUARY - ENVIRONMENT
News: Reroute rail track through gibbon
sanctuary'
What's
in the news?
●
The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam,
home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation
due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.
Hollongapar
Gibbon Sanctuary:
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It is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
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It was established in 1997 as a protected
area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate
species.
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The sanctuary covers an area of
approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
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It contains India's only gibbons - the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern
India's only nocturnal primate - the Bengal slow loris.
Hoolock Gibbons:
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They are arboreal creatures known for their distinctive vocalizations and
tree-dwelling behavior.
Habitat:
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They are a unique primate species, inhabiting various regions across India's
northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Species:
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There are two recognized species of
hoolock gibbons found in India such as
●
Eastern
hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys)
●
Western
hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
Significance:
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These gibbons play an essential role in
the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.