MadhurjyaIntroduction
Tucked away in the Jorhat district of Assam, the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a rare and vital ecological zone. Spanning just 20.98 sq km, this protected forest is named after the Hoolock Gibbon, India’s only ape species. This sanctuary is not only a refuge for these rare primates but also an essential habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Despite its small size, it holds significant ecological importance due to its high density of non-human primates and unique biodiversity.
A Sanctuary Dedicated to India’s Only Ape
The primary attraction of this wildlife sanctuary is the Hoolock Gibbon, the only species of ape found in India. Unlike monkeys, gibbons lack tails and spend most of their time swinging through the upper canopies of trees. Their presence in this forest makes it one of the most important conservation areas in the country.
Rich Diversity of Primate Species
Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is home to seven out of the nine primate species found in Northeast India. These include:
- Hoolock Gibbon – The star attraction of the sanctuary
- Capped Langur – Known for its distinctive cap-like fur pattern
- Slow Loris – The only nocturnal primate in the region
- Rhesus Macaque – One of the most commonly found primates in India
- Assamese Macaque – A species adapted to both forests and high-altitude areas
- Pig-tailed Macaque – Identified by its short, pig-like tail
- Stump-tailed Macaque – Recognized by its robust body and short tail
The sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat, making it an essential area for primate conservation.
Other Mammals and Wildlife
While the Hoolock Gibbon dominates the landscape, the sanctuary also shelters a wide range of other mammals, including:
- Asian Elephants – Frequently seen passing through the area
- Leopards and Leopard Cats – Stealthy predators hiding in the dense foliage
- Jungle Cats and Civet Cats – Night-dwelling hunters of the sanctuary
- Chinese Pangolin – A rare and highly trafficked species due to its scales
- Wild Boars and Indian Foxes – Adding to the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystem
A Paradise for Bird Enthusiasts
Although the primates are the main highlight, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species. However, due to the high primate population, birds often struggle to nest safely. Despite this, some remarkable birds can still be spotted, including:
- Hornbills
- Green Pigeons
- Owls
- Woodpeckers
- Black-headed Orioles
- Drongos
- Barbets
- Egrets
For bird watchers, this sanctuary provides an interesting challenge—spotting birds in a forest where primates dominate the canopy.
Flora: The Backbone of the Ecosystem
The sanctuary’s ecosystem thrives due to its lush vegetation, with towering trees forming dense canopies that provide shelter and food for its inhabitants. The dominant tree species include:
- Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus) – The sanctuary’s namesake and the primary canopy tree
- Nahar (Mesua ferrea) – A tree known for its medicinal properties
- Sashi, Holokh, and Sam – Other significant native tree species
- Jackfruit Trees (Kothal) – Provide food for primates and other wildlife
- Various Bamboo and Cane Species – Essential for many species’ survival
The forest floor is rich with ferns, orchids, and evergreen shrubs, adding to the sanctuary’s vibrant ecosystem.
Challenges Facing the Sanctuary
Despite being a protected area, the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary faces several threats, including:
- Habitat Fragmentation – Surrounding tea gardens and villages isolate the sanctuary from other forests.
- Illegal Logging – Poses a risk to the ecosystem’s balance.
- Encroachment by Human Settlements – Expanding villages threaten the forest’s boundaries.
- Railway Lines Cutting Through the Forest – A major barrier, leaving some animal groups stranded in isolated patches.
- Poaching of Elephants – The nearby tea gardens serve as an elephant corridor to Nagaland, making them vulnerable to poachers.
Why This Sanctuary is Special
- Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) – This designation highlights its role in conserving rare and endangered bird species.
- Home to India’s Only Ape – The Hoolock Gibbon makes this sanctuary truly unique.
- Diverse Primate Population – Few places in the world host as many primate species in such a small area.
- Rich Botanical Variety – The sanctuary is home to many rare and ecologically valuable plant species.
Best Time to Visit
While the sanctuary remains open throughout the year, the ideal time to explore it is from June to July and February to March when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife activity is high.
Conclusion
The Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a crucial conservation area, ensuring the survival of India’s only ape and many other primates. Despite its small size, its ecological significance is immense. The challenges it faces highlight the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this irreplaceable haven of biodiversity.
FAQ’s:
What is the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
This sanctuary is known for being home to India’s only ape species, the Hoolock Gibbon. It is also a protected area for several rare primates, including the Bengal slow loris, capped langur, and stump-tailed macaque.
Where is the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary located?
It is located in Jorhat district, Assam, India. The sanctuary is surrounded by tea gardens and villages, making it a unique forested habitat in an otherwise human-dominated landscape.
How big is the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary covers an area of 20.98 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it has a high density of primates and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Which animals can be found in this sanctuary?
Apart from the Hoolock Gibbon, the sanctuary is home to primates like the Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, and Bengal slow loris. Other wildlife includes leopards, jungle cats, Indian foxes, civet cats, wild boars, and various reptiles.
Why is this sanctuary important for conservation?
This sanctuary protects India’s only ape species and several endangered primates. The dense forest also serves as a crucial habitat for many plant and animal species, making conservation efforts essential to prevent habitat loss and species extinction.
What type of forest is found in the sanctuary?
The forest is a mix of semi-evergreen and evergreen trees, dominated by the Hollong tree, which gives the sanctuary its name. It also has bamboo, cane, orchids, and rare plant species that support diverse wildlife.
What are the biggest threats to this sanctuary?
Illegal logging, human encroachment, and habitat fragmentation pose major threats. Railway tracks running through the sanctuary have also isolated some animal groups, making survival difficult for species like the Hoolock Gibbon.
How do Hoolock Gibbons live in the sanctuary?
Hoolock Gibbons live in family groups and spend their lives in trees, rarely coming down to the ground. They move by swinging between branches using their long arms, a movement known as brachiation.
Is the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary recognized internationally?
Yes, BirdLife International has identified it as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it provides a habitat for nearly 800 bird species, including several that are endangered.
When is the best time to visit the sanctuary?
The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is between June to July and February to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
Neha Baruah
