In a significant conservation development for India’s rich biodiversity, the state of Tripura has launched a comprehensive action plan aimed at protecting the endangered Hoolock Gibbon — the only ape species found in India. With increasing concerns over habitat loss, declining populations, and human encroachment, the move is seen as a vital step to secure the survival of the species that is considered both ecologically critical and culturally symbolic in the northeastern region.
Unveiled by the state forest department in collaboration with wildlife biologists and local conservation groups, the plan will focus on habitat preservation, community engagement, ecological research, and wildlife corridors — marking one of the most structured initiatives for the conservation of Hoolock Gibbons in India’s northeast.
Hoolock Gibbon: India’s Only Ape Under Threat
The Hoolock Gibbon (genus Hoolock), particularly the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), is native to northeast India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. These arboreal primates are characterized by their strong arms, incredible agility in the canopy, and haunting vocalizations. Once widely spread across the forests of northeastern states, their numbers have drastically reduced due to large-scale deforestation, infrastructure development, and fragmented habitats.
In Tripura, the species is primarily found in patches of the Sepahijala and Trishna wildlife sanctuaries. However, population estimates suggest that fewer than 100 individuals may remain in the wild across the state, raising alarm bells for wildlife authorities.
Key Features of Tripura’s Hoolock Gibbon Conservation Action Plan
The new action plan outlines short, medium, and long-term goals to address the pressing conservation challenges facing the Hoolock Gibbon. The government has committed to inter-departmental coordination and secured initial funding from both the state budget and proposed central wildlife conservation grants.
| Strategic Area | Specific Actions Proposed | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat Restoration | Reforestation of degraded areas, canopy linkage efforts | 2025–2028 |
| Population Monitoring | Census using camera traps, acoustic sensors | Ongoing |
| Community Engagement | Livelihood programs, eco-tourism, awareness drives | Starting 2025 |
| Scientific Research | Behavioral studies, genetic profiling | 2025–2027 |
| Wildlife Corridors | Connecting fragmented forests through buffer zones | 2026 onwards |
| Policy Enforcement | Anti-poaching vigilance, control of land conversion | Immediate |
This multi-tiered approach emphasizes the need to view the conservation of Hoolock Gibbons not just through the lens of wildlife protection, but also in terms of ecological balance, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities.
Importance of Hoolock Gibbons in India’s Ecosystem
Hoolock Gibbons are vital seed dispersers and play an important role in maintaining the health of tropical rainforests. Their survival reflects the broader integrity of the forest ecosystem. In many indigenous tribal cultures of the northeast, gibbons are seen as ancestral beings or spiritual totems, further emphasizing their cultural relevance.
The decline of the species in India — listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN — is not just a loss of biodiversity, but a sign of deeper ecological distress.
Current Distribution and Population Estimates of Hoolock Gibbons in India
| State | Approx. Population (2024) | Key Habitats |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | 2,500–3,000 | Hollongapar, Dibru-Saikhowa, Kaziranga |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1,000–1,500 | Namdapha, Pakke Tiger Reserve |
| Meghalaya | 300–500 | Nokrek, Balpakram |
| Tripura | <100 | Sepahijala, Trishna Sanctuaries |
| Nagaland | 200–300 | Intanki, Dzükou Valley |
| Mizoram | 100–200 | Dampa Tiger Reserve |
Tripura’s action plan, therefore, plays a crucial role in ensuring the western-most population of Hoolock Gibbons is preserved before it disappears entirely from the state.
Local Participation and Indigenous Knowledge
One of the key differentiators of Tripura’s plan is its strong emphasis on involving local communities in conservation. Many tribal communities, such as the Reang and Chakma, have traditional knowledge about forest fauna and gibbon behavior. The plan proposes creating community forest monitoring groups and incentivizing them through eco-tourism revenues and green livelihood programs.
Officials are also exploring partnerships with educational institutions in Tripura to integrate conservation into school curriculums and student-based forest watch programs.
Environmentalists React to the Plan
Wildlife experts and NGOs working in the northeast have welcomed the initiative. Dr. Mahendra Das, a primatologist and researcher, noted, “Tripura’s plan has come at a critical time. The fragmentation of canopy and absence of genetic diversity in small populations have led to reproductive isolation in Hoolock Gibbons. This plan addresses both the biological and social sides of conservation.”
However, some conservationists have raised concerns about execution and long-term funding. Many past projects in the region have failed due to lack of continuity and enforcement, especially when faced with pressure from infrastructure projects such as roads and railways.
Need for a National Gibbon Conservation Framework
The Tripura initiative has reignited calls for a broader national-level conservation framework for India’s only ape species. While Assam and Arunachal have local gibbon conservation programs, a unified policy could create funding pools, centralize data collection, and align with India’s biodiversity and climate commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
As India pushes ahead with development projects in the northeast under the “Act East” policy, balancing growth with ecological sustainability remains a major challenge.
Long-Term Vision for Gibbon Conservation
Tripura’s forest department has emphasized that the action plan is only a beginning. The long-term vision includes establishing a dedicated Gibbon Conservation and Research Centre, organizing international collaborations, and integrating forest corridors into regional climate adaptation strategies.
As a flagship species, the survival of the Hoolock Gibbon can become a powerful conservation symbol for India’s northeast — where forests, wildlife, and indigenous people coexist in one of the country’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and awareness purposes only. Wildlife populations and conservation measures are subject to ongoing research and ecological changes. Data estimates are based on currently available public reports and may evolve with further studies.
