Status and conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys in Assam, India

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R. Chetry
D. Chetry
P.C. Bhattacharjee

Abstract

A field survey was conducted in 2010 from March to May in the reserve forests of Sadiya sub-division, in the Tinsukia District of Assam, India, to investigate the status of the Hoolock Gibbon. The data were collected using modified line-transect and call-count methods. We recorded 10 groups of gibbons in three reserve forests, through direct sighting. Of the 33 individuals recorded through direct sighting 63.6% were adults, 21.2% juveniles and 15.2% infants. The average group size of the sighted groups was 3.3 individuals, with an adult sex ratio of 1:1.1. We also recorded 10 groups of Rhesus Macaques in the area. Anthropogenic pressures included encroachment, felling of trees and inadequate infrastructure, and these were the major threats for Hoolock Gibbon and other wildlife in the region. Notably, the gibbons of Sadiya have been identified as the Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys and this is the first report of the species from Assam.

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

R. Chetry

Rekha Chetry‘s research interest is on primate behaviour, ecology, and conservation biology. She has conducted several field studies on endangered primates of northeastern India. The corresponding author is an Assisstant Professor.

D. Chetry

Dilip Chetry worked since 1994 in the field study of primate in northeastern India. He has particular interest in ecology, behaviour, conservation of primate and in community based conservation of biodiversity. He is Programme Head, Primate Conservation Division, Aaranyak and also Executive Director of Gibbon Conservation Centre, Assam, India.

P.C. Bhattacharjee

Parimal Chandra Bhattacharjee’s research focus on ecology, ornithology, primatology and biodiversity conservation. He is former Head & Professor, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Assam, India