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1st June 2024 (10 Topics)

Canopy Bridges for India's Only Ape

Context

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in eastern Assam is taking steps to safeguard the hoolock gibbon, India's only ape species. Canopy bridges are being constructed to help the gibbons move safely across a railway track that divides their habitat.

Background

  • The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district, spanning 2,098.62 hectares, hosts the largest concentration of hoolock gibbons in India.
  • These gibbons are known for their vocalizations and spend much of their time in the upper canopy of trees.
  • A 65-km-long railway track cuts through the sanctuary, posing a threat to the gibbons' arboreal nature.
  • Canopy bridges are being built to help them safely cross the track. Safety measures include securing the ends and knots of the bridges and installing safety nets below.
  • The canopy bridges will be designed to blend with the environment, allowing lianas and creepers to grow along them. This ensures the bridges appear natural and minimizes disruption to the gibbons' habitat.

Fact Box: About Hoolock Gibbons

  • Hoolock gibbons are smaller than great apes like gorillas and orangutans.
  • Genera: Hoolock (hoolock gibbons), Hylobates (hylobates), Symphalangus (siamangs) and Nomascus (crested gibbons). Siamangs are the largest gibbon species
  • They are frugivores, primarily eating fruit.
  • Found in the forests of Assam and other northeastern states, hoolock gibbons are categorized as Endangered and Vulnerable species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
  • Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Endangered (Western Hoolock Gibbon) and Vulnerable (Eastern Hoolock Gibbon)
  • Both the species are listed on Schedule I of the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act, 1972.

PYQ

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2010)

Protected area

Well-known for

1.

Bhiterkanika, Orissa

Salt Water Crocodile

2.

Desert National Park, Rajasthan

Great Indian Bustard

3.

Eravikulam, Kerala

Hoolock Gibbon

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (b)

X

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