The Distribution and Status of Hoolock Gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, in Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland in Northeast India

Abstract

In India, the hoolock gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, occurs only in a small part in the northeast, south of the Brahmaputra River and east of the Dibang River. This article describes its distribution, habitat, status, and conservation in the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The hoolock gibbon still occurs in all four states but in much depleted numbers. It has been recorded from altitudes of less than 50 m in Meghalaya to above 2,600 m in Nagaland. The gibbon is nowhere abundant due to hunting and, except a few protected areas, it is found in scattered groups, where their survival is doubtful in the long term. A rough population estimate indicates that the total numbers could be between 1,700 and 2,200. Habitat destruction and fragmentation and poaching are the main threats. The hoolock gibbon is protected by law in India and occurs in at least 17 protected areas in these four states. The creation of more protected areas, adequate protection of existing protected areas, control of jhum cultivation and poaching, and awareness and involvement of churches and village headmen in conservation are recommended.