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Source- This post on Canopy Bridges for Gibbons has been created based on the article “Railways to construct canopy bridges across track in Assam gibbon habitat” published in “The Hindu” on 1 June 2024.
Why in News?
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has allocated funds to build canopy bridges, allowing India’s only ape to safely traverse a railway track that divides its primary habitat in eastern Assam.
About Canopy Bridges for Gibbons in Assam
1. About: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will construct canopy bridges in Assam’s gibbon habitat.
2. Purpose: To facilitate the movement of Hoolock gibbons across a railway track that divides their prime habitat in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.
3. Designed by: Canopy bridges are designed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with NFR. The project involves NFR, Assam State Forest Department, WII, and other stakeholders.
4. These bridges will be installed at strategic points to ensure the safe movement of gibbons between the divided sections of the sanctuary.
5. High-grade fastening materials and techniques will be used to secure the bridges. Safety nets will be installed below the bridges as a fail-safe mechanism.
6. Lianas and creepers will be guided along the bridges to make them look natural.
7. Previous Efforts: Past efforts included an artificial canopy bridge by NFR and a natural canopy bridge by the Assam State Forest Department and Aaranyak. Gibbons preferred the natural bridge over the artificial one.
About Hoolock Gibbons
| Aspects | Description |
| About | Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes. |
| Characteristics | Hoolock gibbons are known for their intelligence, distinct personalities, and strong family bonds. |
| Habitat | 1. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia. 2. They are found in forested areas of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Southern China. |
| Population | The estimated current population of hoolock gibbons is approximately 12,000 individuals. |
| Threats | 1. All 20 gibbon species, including hoolock gibbons, face a high risk of extinction due to various conservation challenges. 2. Habitat Decline: Gibbon populations and their habitats have significantly declined over the past century, now restricted to small areas in tropical rainforests. 3. Primary Threat in India: The main threat to hoolock gibbons is habitat loss due to deforestation for infrastructure projects. |
| Conservation Status | 1. International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List: a) Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered b) Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable 2. Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Both species are listed on Schedule 1. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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