New Delhi, 15 May (H.S.): A male western hoolock gibbon was spotted on Friday on a canopy bridge spanning the Lumding–Dibrugarh railway line, which passes through the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam. This is a significant milestone in gibbon conservation in India.

The canopy bridge was designed and installed as a preventive measure by the Assam Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, under the advice and guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

Expressing his delight at the event, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that technology‑based conservation measures—such as this canopy bridge built over the railway line passing through Assam—are now being utilised by hoolock gibbons. He added that such science‑driven, small‑scale interventions can be highly effective in biodiversity conservation.

It is noteworthy that the hoolock gibbon, a primate species on the verge of extinction, is being actively conserved in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam. Conservation efforts for the species are ongoing within protected areas, but it continues to face threats from illegal logging, the railway line, and tea plantations. Re‑connecting habitat corridors and ensuring community participation are essential for its long‑term survival. The hoolock gibbon is accorded full protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar