Rescue Operation Saves Hoolock Gibbons in Arunachal Pradesh
Successful Rescue of Hoolock Gibbons
Itanagar, Dec 6: A family of Hoolock gibbons was successfully rescued following a challenging four-day operation in Horu Pahar village, located in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley district, as reported by officials on Saturday.
The rescued family, consisting of an adult male, an adult female, and a juvenile, has been released into the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, where they will be closely monitored.
According to Mito Rumi, the Divisional Forest Officer of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, "We observed all three gibbons near the release area on Friday morning, and they seem to be in stable condition."
The Hoolock gibbons had become trapped on a 45-meter tall ficus tree due to agricultural expansion that fragmented their habitat.
"Their living space was reduced to just one tree. Without canopy connectivity, the gibbons were forced to descend to the ground, which poses significant risks for these arboreal apes," the official explained.
A veterinary assessment by experts from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) indicated that the animals were underweight.
Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, who led the veterinary team, stated, "The family had been nutritionally stressed and isolated for an extended period. Their chances of survival would have significantly decreased without prompt intervention."
WTI Director Sunil Kyarong, who oversaw the rescue, emphasized the technical expertise required for the operation. "Extracting gibbons from such heights necessitates precision, calm coordination, and a thorough understanding of their behavior. Any error could result in fatal falls," he noted.
The state forest department expressed gratitude to mountaineering volunteers for their assistance. "We appreciate Amaro Meto and Hachu Lombo for training our staff in modern rope-climbing techniques. Without these skills, safe extraction would not have been feasible," Rumi added.
Officials have identified additional stranded families in the agricultural areas of Denlo village. "Due to the height of the trees and challenging terrain, rescue operations will proceed in phases over the next three months," an official stated.
Dr. Choudhury highlighted the conservation importance of the Hoolock gibbon, noting that it is India's only ape and classified as a Schedule I species. Habitat fragmentation is threatening these populations, making their conservation critical.
The state forest department reaffirmed its dedication to protecting these endangered apes. "Community support has been robust, and together we will ensure the survival of these gibbons," Rumi concluded.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort between officials from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) earlier this week.