Hoolock Gibbon

About Hoolock Gibbon

Hoolock Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes, and live in tropical and subtropical forests in the southeastern part of Asia.

They are arboreal (they live in trees) and rely on dense canopy cover for movement and food.
Male and female gibbons are similar in size but differ in colour.
They are monogamous (same partner throughout life) and live in small family groups.
They are known for their distinctive vocalisations, referred to as “songs,” which they use to communicate and establish territory.
They are Frugivorous primates. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, leaves, flowers and occasionally insects.
They exhibit a mode of movement known as It is a form of movement where primates swing from tree limb to tree limb using only their arms

They are found in parts of Northeast India, particularly in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Their presence in India is primarily restricted to the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam.
Also found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Southern China.

IUCN status
- Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon:
Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) – Schedule 1

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

Formation: In 2003 (Statutory Body under Wildlife Protection Act,1972)
Composition:
- ○ Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India
- ○ Vice-Chairperson: The Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- ○ Members – 47 (Members of Parliament (3): 2 Lok sabha + 1 Rajya sabha)
Standing Committee of NBWL:
- ○ Chairman: The Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- ○ It meets every 3 months.
No Alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the approval of the National Board for Wildlife.