Guwahati: A training programme on Hoolock gibbon conservation for foresters of Assam Forest Department in Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was conducted by Aaranyak. This program was a collaboration with Jorhat Forest Division and supported by The Habitats Trust and IUCN Primate Specialists Group.
During the week-long and residential training course, a wide range of topics were covered including Biodiversity in Northeast India and Conservation, Primates Conservation in Northeast India with special reference to Hoolock gibbon, Gibbon Census or Population Estimation, Gibbon Data Collection, Maintaining & Reporting, Techniques of Floristic Study, Gibbon Habitat Characteristic and Restoration, Population and Habitat Monitoring, Gibbon Rescue and Rehabilitation, Global Positioning System & use in field, and Legal Orientation (Wildlife Laws and its Application).
This course gave the participants an initial understanding of the basic principles of Primatology. And experience with the methods and techniques used in field research. The course consisted of daily lectures and field exercises.
Aaranyak designed this series of “Training of Foresters for the Conservation of Hoolock Gibbon in Assam in 2024.” It aims to sensitise foresters about various aspects of primate conservation with a focus on Hoolock gibbon. The training for the second batch of foresters was started on April 22 in Jorhat of Asam. It was inaugurated by Rupak Bhuyan, Deputy Range Officer in charge of Mariani under the Jorhat Forest Division. He urged the trainees to make use of the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge. Especially for the conservation of the Hoolock gibbon and other wildlife of Assam.
Twenty-two foresters participated in the training from various forest divisions in Assam. These also include the Doomdooma, Sibsagar, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong East & West, Dima Hasao East & West, South Nagaon, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj Forest Divisions.
The resource persons included Dr I.C. Baruah of Assam Agricultural University, Dr Prabal Sarkar of University Science and Technology Meghalaya, Dr Bhaskar Choudhury from Wildlife Trust of India, Ajoy Kumar Das, of Gauhati High Court, Gunin Saikia, Former Deputy Conservator of Forest, Animesh Medhi, Forest Range Officer, Mariani Forest Range, Mridu Paban Phukan from Wildlife Conservation & Study Centre, Dr Dilip Chetry, Arup Kumar Das, Akshay Kumar Upadhaya, Simanta Medhi, Arif Hussain and Pitam Jyoti Gore.
The convocation was held on April 28 with well-known primatologist Dr Dilip Chetry in the chair. The chief guest of this occasion was Animesh Kalita, Forest Range officer, Mariani Range. Dr Dilip Chetry expressed gratitude to the Assam Forest Department. And especially the Jorhat Forest Division and the local community for the support extended during the training. He also informed that the 3rd such training programme, as part of the series, will be organised from May 20 to 26.
