Canopy utilization pattern of Western Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock Hoolock (Mammalia: Primates: Hylobatidae) in the Inner-line Reserve Forest of Barak Valley, Assam, India

Abstract

This article presents data on canopy use by a group of Western Hoolock Gibbons Hoolock hoolock inhabiting the Inner-line Reserve Forest in Barak Valley, Assam, India. The study was carried out from December 2011 to November 2012. The group consisted of an adult male, an adult female with an infant and one sub-adult male, with a home range of approximately 55ha. Data was collected on the canopy height and canopy use by the gibbons. A total of 3,648 observations were recorded during the study period. Canopy height used by the gibbons was found to be within the range of 5m and 30m and most of the activities were observed between 6m and 25m. A maximum use of canopy height in different activities was recorded between 11-15 m and a minimum was recorded from 1-10 m and above 25m respectively. While using various levels of canopy, most of the activities were performed on small branches near the periphery, and least on the trunks of the trees. Canopy height and canopy use during different activities varied significantly among the type of activities and also among different age-sex classes. No activities were observed on the ground.