Guwahati: A weeklong training on Hoolock Gibbon conservation organized in Jorhat, came to a successful end. The field-based training was initiated on March 28. And it took place at the Gibbon Conservation Center of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Jorhat. It was organized by Aaranyak in collaboration with the Jorhat Forest Division of the Assam Forest Department. The Habitats Trust, IUCN SSC Primate Specialists Group, and IUCN Primate section of small apes also supported the initiative. The training was aimed at research, training and conservation efforts of the ape.
The Western Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape in the country. It is also an endangered species and is available only in Northeast India.
A total of 30 forest guards, foresters and range officers took part in this week-long residential training. A wide range of topics was covered during this training. 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, maintenance and reporting, Techniques of Floristic study, Gibbon habitat characteristic and Restoration, Population and Habitat Monitoring, Gibbon rescue and rehabilitation, GPS & use in the field, and Legal Orientation (Wildlife Laws and its application).
The training was inaugurated by Nandha Kumar, DFO Jorhat. Dr Dilip Chetry, Head of the Primate Research & Conservation Division of Aaranyak, requested the trainees to make use of the training to work towards the conservation of Hoolock Gibbon in particular and biodiversity in general. The inaugural session was also addressed by Animesh Medhi, Range Officer, Mariani.
The convocation was organized on Tuesday with the DFO, Jorhat Forest Division as the guest. Training manuals, books, Posters, certificates, stickers and other study materials were distributed among the trainees.
