Three states unite to conserve India’s Only Ape, the Hoolock Gibbon

way2barak, Nov 3: In a significant step towards strengthening primate conservation in Northeast India, forest personnel from Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura came together for a week-long residential training programme on the conservation of the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), India’s only ape.

The programme, organised by Aaranyak at Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam from October 24 to 30, 2026, brought together 16 forest guards from the three states to enhance their knowledge and field-level capacities for protecting the endangered primate and its habitats.

The Western Hoolock Gibbon, found across parts of Northeast India, faces mounting threats from habitat fragmentation, forest degradation and hunting. Gaps in species-specific knowledge, limited access to scientific conservation techniques and inadequate awareness among frontline forest personnel further complicate conservation efforts. Recognising the critical role of forest guards in safeguarding wildlife and habitats, Aaranyak designed the training to strengthen their capacity as frontline conservation practitioners.

The initiative was organised by Aaranyak, a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, particularly the Jorhat Forest Division, with support from The Habitat Trust, IUCN Primate Specialist Group and IUCN Section on Small Apes.

The week-long programme covered a comprehensive range of subjects, including biodiversity conservation in Northeast India, primate conservation with special reference to Hoolock gibbons, gibbon census and population estimation, field data collection and reporting, floristic survey techniques, habitat characteristics and restoration, population and habitat monitoring, gibbon rescue and rehabilitation, application of Global Positioning System (GPS) in field research, and wildlife laws and their practical application.

Combining classroom lectures with practical field exercises, the training provided participants with foundational knowledge of primatology and hands-on exposure to scientific methods and techniques essential for field-based conservation, monitoring and protection of Hoolock gibbons.

The programme was inaugurated on October 24 by Rupak Bhuyan, Range Officer, who welcomed the participating forest guards from the three states. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, he observed that this was among the first training programmes of its kind in Northeast India, offering specialised capacity-building opportunities beyond the conventional training provided by forest schools and institutes. He expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen the participants’ ability to contribute to biodiversity conservation and appreciated Aaranyak for organising the initiative at Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.

Dr. Dilip Chetry, Director and Head of Aaranyak’s Primate Research and Conservation Division and Vice Chair of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group – South Asia, welcomed the participants and urged them to make the best use of the training to strengthen their understanding of Hoolock gibbon conservation and biodiversity protection. Emphasising the urgency of conservation action, he expressed concern over the alarming situation of Hoolock gibbons in Northeast India and called for collective efforts and support from all sections of society to secure the species’ future.

The training sessions were facilitated by a team of distinguished experts and resource persons, including Dr. I.C. Baruah, former Professor, Assam Agricultural University; Mr. Gunin Saikia, DCF, Assam Forest Department; Mr. Ajoy Kumar Das, Guwahati High Court; Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, Wildlife Trust of India; Dr. Kumud Ghosh, Nakachari College; Mr. Mridu Paban Phukan, Wildlife Conservation and Study Centre; Mr. Arup Kumar Das; Ms. Nandita Medhi; Mr. Simanta Medhi; and Dr. Dilip Chetry of Aaranyak. Their contributions enabled participants to gain insights into scientific research, field practices, legal frameworks and practical conservation approaches.

The training concluded on October 30 with a convocation ceremony chaired by Dr. Dilip Chetry. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chetry highlighted the significance of bringing forest personnel from Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura together on a common platform for Hoolock gibbon conservation. He acknowledged the participation and support of the Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura Forest Departments and particularly thanked the Jorhat Forest Division and local communities for their cooperation throughout the programme. He encouraged the participants to translate their newly acquired knowledge into effective conservation action, particularly in protecting Hoolock gibbon habitats and strengthening species conservation on the ground.

Mr. Gitumani Das, AFS, Range Officer, Mariani Forest Range, attended the concluding ceremony as the Chief Guest. He urged the trainees to apply their learning towards conserving Hoolock gibbons and biodiversity at large. He also encouraged them to act as conservation ambassadors by spreading awareness about the importance of protecting the species across Northeast India.

The programme concluded with the distribution of training materials, including a training manual, a book on Hoolock gibbons, awareness posters and stickers, certificates of participation, and a group photograph of the trainees.

By bringing together frontline forest personnel from three northeastern states, the initiative marked an important step towards building a more informed, skilled and collaborative conservation workforce. It reinforced the importance of inter-state cooperation, scientific knowledge and empowered frontline personnel in addressing the growing conservation challenges facing India’s only ape.