Education emerges as key tool for Hoolock gibbon conservation in Arunachal’s Namsai

way2barak, Dec 29: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) in collaboration with the Namsai Forest Division and with support from the Arcus Foundation has been conducting Hoolock gibbon conservation education and awareness programmes since 12th November 2025, in the Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh.

This first of its kind initiative in Namsai district, began at Government Upper Primary School (GUPS), Deobil, Namsai November 12, 2025 and was inaugurated, by N. W. Namchoom, Head Teacher of the school.

This programme has reached 18 schools ranging from upper primary to higher secondary levels within the Namsai district. In total, 1092 students, 80 teachers and local community were benefitted from this programme.

Akshay Kumar Upadhyaya, researcher of Primate Research and Conservation Division of Aaranyak acted as resource person during the programmes.

The programmes primarily targeted students from the fringes of the Reserve Forest, aiming to create a community of motivated students who can contribute to future gibbon conservation efforts. The sessions employed pre- and post-assessments using carefully designed questionnaires to evaluate students’ knowledge levels before and after the intervention.

Interactive learning methods – including audio-visual aids, PowerPoint presentations, live discussions, and illustrations were used to explain the ecological importance of primates, the role of hoolock gibbons in forest ecosystems and the broader significance of biodiversity conservation.

Pre-assessment results revealed limited baseline understanding, with correct responses ranging between 11% and 29%. Following the awareness sessions, post-assessment scores showed a significant improvement, increasing to 60%–90%, with an average knowledge gain of over 50–60%. These results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the programme in enhancing students’ understanding and engagement.

The initiative highlights the value of structured, interactive educational interventions in strengthening environmental awareness and academic learning outcomes. By empowering students with knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature, Aaranyak’s programme has made a measurable and meaningful impact across participating schools, reinforcing the critical role of education in long-term wildlife conservation.

Dr. Dilip Chetry, senior primatologist, Director & Head in the Primate Research and Conservation Division of Aaranyak, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group, South Asia Section, emphasised that the Western Hoolock gibbon is the only ape species found in India and is genetically very close to humans.

He noted that this endangered, arboreal, frugivorous primate, found in the seven northeastern states of India, is restricted to areas south of the Brahmaputra-and east of Dibang river system. The Namsai Forest Division having 7 Reserve Forests, 3 Anchal Reserve Forest and 3 Village Reserve Forest forms a crucial habitat for the gibbons.

Dr. Chetry stressed that habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting are the major threats to the Hoolock gibbon across its distribution range. He believes that this education programme will boost efforts to conserve not only the Hoolock gibbon but also the overall biodiversity of the region.