Present distribution, population status, and conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbons Hoolock hillock (Primates: Hylobatidae) in Namdapha National Park, India

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A. Kumar
P.P. Mary
P. Bagchie

Abstract

A survey on the present distribution, population status and conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) was conducted from September 2006 to April 2007 in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The data were recorded from 12 localities in the Park: Gibbon land, Baghnallah, Deban, 15th Mile, 16th Mile, Hawaghar, 19th Mile, Haldibari, Hornbill camp, Baranallah, Firmbase camp, and Embyong. A total of 50 individuals in 20 groups were recorded during the census by using direct and indirect methods. Out of 20 groups, nine groups were observed through direct visual observation. The remaining 11 groups were estimated by using indirect observation methods such as songs, calls, and branch shaking. The composition of the population was 19 adult males (38%), 19 adult females (38%), and 12 immatures (24%). The group size was estimated as 2.5 individuals per group. Anthropogenic disturbances observed in the gibbon habitat were habitat loss, hunting and poaching, canopy gaps, livelihood issues for local people, and livestock grazing.

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Author Biographies

A. Kumar

Dr. Awadhesh Kumar is an animal behavioral ecologist and wildlife conservationist. He has obtained his Masters degree in Forestry, Wildlife & Environmental Science from G. G. University, Bilaspur, and completed his doctorate degree from North-Eastern Hill University Shillong in Zoology (Wildlife Behavioural Ecology). He joined as faculty of Department of Forestry at NERIST in June 2006 and is engaged in teaching wildlife ecology, management, and conservation to undergraduate and post-graduate students of forestry.

P.P. Mary

Dr. (Mrs.) P. P. Mary is an animal biologist. She completed her doctorate from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University (Tamil Nadu). She joined as faculty of Forestry at NERIST in February 1986 and is engaged in teaching wildlife resources utilization and conservation to undergraduate and post-graduate students of forestry.

P. Bagchie

Mr. Pushkal Bagchie is a student of B.Sc. Forestry and has completed his graduate degree from NERIST in Forestry and is presently pursuing a post graduate degree in forestry from ICFRI, Dehra Dun.