Explore Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, home to India’s only ape species — the Western Hoolock Gibbon. Learn about its biodiversity, threats, primate species, and ecological importance. Essential for APSC ( Prelims & Mains ).
HOLLONGAPAR GIBBON WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is a compact lowland rainforest patch in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Surrounded by tea estates and human settlements, it is the only protected area in India named after an ape.
Geo-Administrative Profile of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Jorhat district, Assam (near Mariani town).
- Area: Compact footprint of 20.98 sq. km.
- Rivers: Bordered by the BhogdoiRiver, which creates marshy wetlands; the Dissoi River flows along its southern boundary.
- Habitat Type: Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forest with wet evergreen patches.
- Threat Environment: Highly fragmented “forest island” isolated from the Nagaland foothills. A railway line runs directly through the core, physically partitioning the habitat.
Legal Status Timeline
- 1881: Notified as the HoollongaparReserve Forest during the British era.
- 1997: Officially upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Assam.
Canopy Stratification & Flora
The sanctuary features a distinct, three-layered vertical canopy network essential for arboreal (tree-dwelling) wildlife:
- Upper Canopy: Dominated by the Hollongtree (Dipterocarpus retusus), which is the State Tree of Assam and the sanctuary’s namesake.
- Middle Canopy: Dominated by the dense, shade-giving Nahar tree (Mesua ferrea).
- Lower Canopy: Composed of evergreen shrubs, herbs, climbers, and specialized bamboo species (such as Dolu and Bojal bamboo).
Primate Diversity Hub in Hollongapar Gibbon WLS
It is India’s premier primate hotspot, supporting seven distinct primate species in a single location:
- Western Hoolock Gibbon: India’s only ape species (Endangered).
- Bengal Slow Loris: Northeast India’s only nocturnal primate.
- Stump-tailed Macaque
- Northern Pig-tailed Macaque
- Assamese Macaque
- Rhesus Macaque
- Capped Langur
Hoolock Gibbon Behavioural Traits
- Locomotion: Fully arboreal; swings between trees using long arms (brachiation). Rarely comes to the ground.
- Hydration: Gets most water from dew and moisture on leaves.
- Social Structure: Strictly monogamous; mates for life. A widowed gibbon usually remains alone.
- Communication: Territorial; uses loud morning duets to mark and defend territory.
Associated Biodiversity in Hollongapar Gibbon WLS
- Mammals: Serves as a vital habitat and transit path for the Indian Elephant. Also hosts Leopards, Tigers, Jungle Cats, Indian Pangolins, Sambar, Barking Deer, and Giant Squirrels.
- Avifauna: Designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with over 219 recorded bird species, including the Indian Pied Hornbill, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Myna, and Osprey.
- Reptiles: Supports the Indian Python, Common Monitor Lizard, Indian Cobra, and Indian Tent Turtle.
Contemporary issues faced by Hollongapar Gibbon WLS
- Habitat Fragmentation: Railway line divides the sanctuary and disrupts forest canopy.
- Railway Threats: Electrocution and train accidents continue to kill gibbons.
- Oil & Gas Threat: Proposed ESZ drilling may cause pollution and habitat loss.
- Long-Term Concern: Experts seek railway rerouting outside the sanctuary.
About Lucent IAS
Lucent IAS is a premier coaching institute in Guwahati, dedicated to empowering APSC aspirants with a result-oriented approach. Recognized as a top destination for APSC Coaching, we offer comprehensive guidance ranging from Foundation Courses and Advanced Mains preparation to our signature Assam-Centric study modules. With expert faculty, small batch sizes for personalized mentoring, and the acclaimed Saadhana Test Series, Lucent IAS is committed to helping you crack the Civil Services Examination.
Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
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