Hoolock Gibbon conservation programme launched

From our correspondent

Itagar, Oct 6: Aruchal Pradesh Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Dr Shashi Kumar on Monday launched a community and school-based education programme on conservation of the endangered Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in Lower Dibang Valley district in the state besides at Sadiya sub-division under Assam’s Tinsukia district. The programme would be implemented by ENVIRON, North East based NGO, an official communiqué informed here today. Supported by US Fish & Wildlife Service, the project would be implemented in partnership with state’s environment & forest department with Aitijya (The Heritage) as partner.

Rajiv Gandhi University’s Zoology department and G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED), NE Unit would provide all technical support, the communiqué informed. The launch also celebrated the fifth day of the Wildlife Week. Project principal investigator Dr Kuladip Sarma gave a comprehensive overview followed by technical sessions to review the present conservation status of the Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in Aruchal Pradesh-Assam landscape.

Wildlife Trust of India veteririan Dr Zahan Ahmed and Itagar Biological Park spoke on ‘Translocation of gibbons and conservation issues’ and ‘Conservation breeding & habitat magement of Gibbon” respectively.

ENVIRON is a society for conservation and magement of ture and tural resources in NE India. Its wildlife & biodiversity conservation division head Kripal Mazumdar, in his address, lauded US Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations for their support. Several suggestions for in-situ and ex-situ measures were given for conservation. The project, to pilot a conservation education module in schools through trained teachers and among community through the local youth volunteers, would foster and facilitate dialogue between key stakeholders, local community, youth groups, district administration (local block officials), forest officials and various civil society organizations, the communiqué added.