Recently, a stranded family of Hoolock gibbons was rescued in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district by officials.
About Hoolock Gibbon
Gibbons, the smallest and fastest of all apes, live in tropical and subtropical forests in the southeastern part of Asia.
The hoolock gibbon is one of 20 species of gibbons on Earth
Distribution of Hoolock Gibbon
Its distribution in Southeast Asia spans India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and southern China.
It is the only ape found in India.
In India, it is found in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, south of the Brahmaputra.
Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam has the largest concentration of the hoolock gibbon.
It is categorised into Eastern Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) found in a specific region of Arunachal Pradesh and Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) distributed elsewhere in the northeast
Characteristics of Hoolock Gibbon
They are diurnal and arboreal, brachiating through the trees with their long arms.
They are monogamous (same partner throughout life).
They live in small families and communicate with other gibbons by vocalisation.
Life span: 25 years
Conservation Status of Hoolock Gibbon
IUCN Red List
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable
Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered
Both are on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
