Assam Forest Staff Trained in Hoolock Gibbon Conservation by Aaranyak

Guwahati, Assam – From September 16 to 22, a week-long training program on Hoolock gibbon conservation was conducted for the frontline staff of Assam’s Forest Department. This initiative was organized by Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization in Northeast India, in collaboration with the Jorhat Forest Division, the Habitats Trust, and the IUCN Primate Specialists Group.

Participants and Training Details

Twenty-two frontline staff from ten different forest divisions in Assam, including Cachar, Dima Hasao East, Dima Hasao West, Doomdooma, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong East, Karbi Anglong West, Sivsagar, and South Nagaon, participated in the training. The training took place at the Gibbon Conservation Centre in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Mariani, Assam, and was inaugurated by Nandha Kumar IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Jorhat Forest Division.

Focus on Hoolock Gibbon Conservation

The Western Hoolock gibbon, the only ape in India, is found in the seven northeastern states of India. However, threats like poaching, habitat fragmentation, and lack of information pose significant challenges to their conservation. The training aimed to address these issues by educating the frontline staff on various aspects of Hoolock gibbon conservation.

Training Topics

The training covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Biodiversity and conservation in Northeast India
• Primate conservation with a focus on Hoolock gibbons
• Gibbon census and population estimation
• Data collection and reporting
• Floristic study techniques
• Gibbon habitat characteristics and restoration
• Population and habitat monitoring
• Gibbon rescue and rehabilitation
• Use of global positioning systems in the field
• Wildlife laws and their application

The course included daily lectures and field exercises, providing participants with a foundational understanding of primatology and field research methods.

Expert Trainers

The training was conducted by experts including Dr. IC Baruah from Assam Agricultural University, Dr. Prabal Sarkar from University Science and Technology Meghalaya, Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury from Wildlife Trust of India, Ajoy Kumar Das from Guwahati High Court, Gunin Saikia, Former Deputy Conservator of Forest, Mridu Paban Phukan from Wildlife Conservation & Study Centre, and Aaranyak’s Arup Kumar Das, Akshay Kumar Upadhaya, Simanta Medhi, and Dr. Dilip Chetry.

Conclusion

The training concluded with a convocation chaired by Dr. Prabal Sarkar, who thanked Aaranyak, the Assam Forest Department, and the local community for their support. Study materials, including training manuals, Gibbon books, posters, stickers, and certificates, were distributed to the trainees.

Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and wildlife.

Hoolock Gibbon -: The Hoolock gibbon is a type of ape found in the forests of northeastern India. It is the only ape species in India.

Aaranyak -: Aaranyak is an organization that works to protect nature and wildlife in Assam. They do things like research and training to help conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity -: Biodiversity means the variety of different kinds of plants, animals, and other living things in a place. It is important for a healthy environment.

Primate Conservation -: Primate conservation is about protecting monkeys, apes, and other primates. It involves making sure they have safe places to live and enough food.

Field Research Methods -: Field research methods are ways scientists study animals and plants in their natural habitats. This can include observing them, taking notes, and collecting samples.

Forest Department -: The Forest Department is a government group that takes care of forests and wildlife. They make sure forests are protected and managed well.

Western Hoolock Gibbon -: The Western Hoolock gibbon is a specific type of Hoolock gibbon found in the western part of its range. It faces threats like habitat loss and hunting.