Report of the project “Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon”
Sponsored by Great Ape Conservation Fund US Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington DC
Organised and conducted by Zoo Outreach Organisation / Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 2
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 3 Report of project entitled “Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock hoolock)”
Sponsored by the Great Ape Conservation Fund US Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington DC
Organised and conducted by the Zoo Outreach Organisation and Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh
1. Activities vis a vis objectives:
To initiate a network for Western Hoolock Gibbon WHG stakeholders: foresters, wildlife officials, policy makers, field biologists, local people, zoo managers, etc. via post and electronic media, so that a sense of community for the purpose of communication, cooperation and coordination is generated for the long term, Zoo Outreach Organisation initiated a network for Hoolock Gibbon stakeholders through mail, workshops, direct and indirectly through contacts by collecting names, addresses, emails, with an objective to enhance communication between Hoolock Gibbon stakeholders throughout Bangladesh, India and wherever the students of WHG live. Networking is a primary tool for any conservation initiative that has been proved to be successful. It is one of the main components of a ‘Conservation Action Model’ developed by the PI. (Annexure 1: Conservation Action Model). The project identified 92 WHG specialists who wanted to belong to the network. This network helped in achieving goals of the project, including the coordination and collection of a large amount of WHG species information including published and unpublished raw data. A briefing material was prepared for the workshop and made available for the participants’ ready reference. The network helped the project to identify Gibbon specialists who in WHG range areas. Over the long term the WHG network provides a foundation and framework for conservation of WHG. As part of this project an e- directory of Hoolock specialist has been developed and is available on the Zoo Outreach Organisation website: (http://www.zooreach.org/Networks/Primate/Hoolock_directory_2006.pdf).
To create an education programme with materials for all levels which will be compatible with the other objectives and with the time frame of this project, ZOO has developed many educational material for a broad range of target groups, making use of scientific facts generated in the workshops which involve indigenous scientists. The major products are:
PHVA Report -- a 132 page scientific Report which is a useful reference for foresters, policy makers, governmental agencies, researchers, and other academics for planning WHG conservation action.
PHVA Summary Report: A 24 page document for policy makers, government officials, foresters, lobbyists and conservationists.
Education materials for young people: Educational packet consisting of WHG masks (for participating in skits, dramas, photo sessions, play), wrist bracelets with a cultural
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 4 significance, a booklet for kids about WHG and other small items which kids enjoy. Some of these are a small placard, stickers, bookmarks, and a beautiful colour poster of the male and female WHG.
Materials for teachers: -- a drama kit for teachers and other educators who want to organise events for promoting WHG conservation. The drama kit consists of Guidelines for planning and conducting dramas, over twenty masks of different characters that might appear in a drama of WHG, such as the male and female Hoolock, a baby Hoolock, forest animals of all kinds, some typical figures or personalities, such as a housewife, a poacher, a businessman, a child, etc. There is a book about how to organise and conduct dramas for education with a sampling of stories which would be suitable for dramas and various themes. The Hoolock PHVA report and even this Summary would provide fodder for dramas.
We encourage educators of all kinds -- teachers, NGOs, conservation activists, etc. to order our materials and conduct education programmes about WHG. These initiatives will help to conduct workshops about Hoolock Gibbons in this region, using active learning techniques. We will distribute all of these to many educators and would be educators (foresters, NGO’s, academics, etc.) during Wildlife Week (October 2006 and Animal Welfare Fortnightly January 2007 as well as otherwise if requested. We have a set of rules for the educators to obtain materials on how to use it. Also the main rule is that the educators are supposed to send a report of the utilization of the materials. Till now we have received two brief educational reports from the Bangladesh educators. Since we are distributing educational materials, for Wildlife Week and Animal Welfare Fortnight, we can expect the reports during the period from December 2007 to February 2007, when the programmes are over. The reports will be published in our monthly magazine Zoos’ Print and also in our web site
Until now 3000 Hoolock packets, posters and drama kits in Bangla language and 750 packets in English has been sent to Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh for the conduct of various education programs. The English packets, posters and drama kits will be distributed in India during Wildlife Week in October 2006 and Animal Welfare Fortnight in January 2007 (See Annexure 8a & 8b for Educational materials provided and the reports received till now).
To conduct a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (P.H.V.A.) workshop, the purpose of which is to:
To obtain the “big picture” concerning Hoolock Gibbon by collecting all pertinent information to be gathered from literature and stakeholders. This information is Discussed in the workshop working groups and after reaching consensus, it is used in the computer simulation model and in building plans for tackling the issues and problems of WHG conservation in India and Bangladesh. Effective conservation action is best built upon a synthesis of available biological information. With this objective and also to understand the implications of small population dynamics on the survival of Hoolock Gibbon a Population Habitat and Viability Assessment (PHVA) workshop was organized in Dhaka, Bangladesh by Zoo Outreach Organisation and Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, 14-18 February, 2005. Prior to the workshop all available literature related to Hoolock gibbon was collected and made available for the workshop and WHG experts were sought out for inviting as participants. The PHVA process was designed
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 5 by Dr. U. S. Seal and Dr. T. J. Foose of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Phil Miller, one of CBSG’s most experienced modelers.
Five working groups were formed which discussed biology, distribution, threats, status and other stakeholder related issues over a five-day period. On the basis of deliberations of the Working Groups (these were Computer Simulation Modelling, Wild Population Management, Habitat and Distribution, Political and Public Awareness and Captive Management groups) a report was created. (Annexure 2: Hoolock Gibbon PHVA Workshop recommendation). The Report includes up-to-date information on current habitat or localities, habitat decline, present in situ populations of WHG. It has been used to address all stakeholders including policy makers, politicians and the public to support recommendations for actions leading to long term survival of Western Hoolock Gibbon. It was also used to develop the extensive education programme described above. With these recommendations and materials participants and other educators have tools to carry out public awareness recommendations and drive home a message of need for governmental intervention on behalf of this WHG.
To determine rational management units within the countries and states Hoolock Gibbon localities are in areas of high biodiversity in Northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura) and remaining forest areas of Bangladesh. Participants were invited from the forest and wildlife departments of both countries, local NGOs, field biologists of Bangladesh and India, who have had direct experience with Hoolock Gibbons. To understand the problems at the country level two different working groups were formed aiming at discussion at the country level. Both the working groups worked on the issues that concern the habitat status, habitat requirement and the longer-term management of the Western Hoolock Gibbon. The Bangladesh group identified two categories of problems - habitat related and population related and based on which the recommended plan of action. (Annexure 3: Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for Bangladesh) The Indian group updated the current distribution status of WHG in Indian region and also suggested recommendations concerned with habitat status and requirements. (Annexure 4: Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for India). This country-specific management strategy is necessary for a holistic approach to WHG conservation in the region. From both countries’ regional-specific problems on issues such as distribution, human interference, habitat loss, encroachment, agriculture, alien species, extraction, development, socio-political issues, population fragmentation, isolation, inbreeding were discussed and recorded in detail.
To incorporate this data into a computer simulation model to determine risk of local Extinction under current conditions, factors that make the species vulnerable to Extinction, and which factors, if changed or manipulated, may have the greatest effect on preventing local extinction PHVA is the estimation of extinction probabilities and other measures of population performance by analyses that incorporate identifiable threats to population survival into models of the extinction process. The VORTEX computer model is a PVA simulation model of the effects of deterministic forces as well as demographic, environmental, and genetic stochastic events on wild populations. The data collected in the working group was used to understand the primary drivers of Hoolock population growth, the vulnerability of small, fragmented populations to local extinction in the absence of demographic interaction with
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 6 other populations, the relative risk to Hoolock population viability posed by intrinsic biological processes such as inbreeding depression, extrinsic processes like poaching. This modeling is to get an understanding of probability of species’ survival given its small size and great degree of fragmentation. The models generated a very high probability of extinction for populations of less than 15 individuals with in twenty years, which applies to more than 80% of the existing population of WHG in India and Bangladesh. For populations larger than 15 individuals also, the probability of extinction increased with higher levels of adult mortalities, negative trend in carrying capacity and hunting, which are common factors affecting most wild WHG populations. The largest population in Bangladesh (Lawachara) with 37 individuals is very much prone to extinction within the next 25-30 years if hunting and habitat destructin continues at the present rate. In India, the largest population of 156 individuals is relatively safe, but only if habitat destruction and hunting are reduced.
To create a management scenario which would effectively increase the probability of survival of the population(s) in the management units designated; To facilitate the creation of a series of local management plan that include the specific management actions, including such measures as linking fragmented areas, upgrading protection, improved public education for this species at all levels, creating incentives, captive breeding, etc. as determined by workshop stakeholders. Five main issues were identified based on the priority of action that will augment the management scenario. They are: 1 arresting habitat loss, 2. receiving legislative support by preventing illegal activities relative to conservation of WHG, 3. improving livelihoods of people living in and around WHG habitat, 4. setting up effective administrative support for conservation programmes including periodic population monitoring and 5. generating political will in favour of conservation. These issues were identified by the wildlife population management working group. Based on these identified issues goals and action plans were recommended. The workshop recommended both the countries to create a widely available database on WHG, a systematic study of the eight localities in which WHG had become completely extinct in the last three years in Bangladesh to determine the reasons and causative factors so that the same could be recognized early in other localities. Since translocation may be the only viable alternative to extinction of WHG which make up very small populations in several localities in both Indian and Bangladesh, the group recommended that multidisciplinary teams for each country should be appointed consisting of experts from within the countries and external experts with experience in translocating similar species to assess proposed release sites for suitability, review socioecolgical and behavioural data on WHG to determine of these and legal requirements can be met, assess proposed individuals to be relocated keeping in mind genetic, demographic and health aspects, develop strategy and timeframe for transport and release, establish and enact post- release monitoring and other follow up. Reclaiming encroached land, improving the degraded Hoolock habitats, motivating policy makers, politicians and public by highlighting benefits from conservation of Hoolock and their habitats, introducing enabling amendments and creating infrastructure for enabling staff to perform protection activities effectively are some of the action plan recommended. (Annexure 5: Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Wildlife Population Management Working Group Recommendations).
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 7 To utilize the objectives and information in the Management Plans for further education projects for important target groups. The education and public awareness working group discussed and recommended that educating the public and in particular the people living at the vicinity of the Gibbon range area is a major effort that has to be considered to conserve gibbons. The socio-economic status of the people living in and around the Hoolock Gibbon range area is under the influence of increasing poverty, low literacy, population explosion, and priority for personal needs and agenda. Thus people’s economic status affects the Hoolock population directly or indirectly and also is a major barrier to WHG conservation. It was felt that two levels of education were required, general education to enjoin the populace of cities and towns to eschew support of development projects which destroy habitat, and a more personal education which can be spread in the rural areas and in the forest itself. To fulfill this, the various education packets both in English and Bangala the regional language of Bangladesh described were developed to reach different target groups.
Provide a summary of the most important results of the project. For each product expected (as outlined in the project proposal) describe the product attained and explain any deviations between the expected and the attained product.
x Large scale promotion of the species, Hoolock Gibbon, which is Critically Endangered in Bangladesh and Endangered in India.
x Understood the ground status of the Western Hoolock Gibbon in Bangladesh and India based on conclusions consensually developed by all stakeholders.
x A scientific technical report has been prepared for practical conservation on the field and rationale for government to promote hoolock gibbon conservation in South Asia
x A systematic list of populations of hoolock has been compiled to understand thrust areas of conservation.
x Specific, scientifically-based recommendations for improvement of habitat, protection of the populations, creative solutions for isolated individuals, further research, etc.
x After the PHVA a short training in captive management of Hoolock Gibbon was conducted with intense interest generated by the workshop.
x Viewpoints of all stakeholders have been incorporated to reflect problems and measures required for the conservation of hoolock gibbons
x A comprehensive guideline and basis for education and conservation has been provided for the first time for actioners to follow
x The results of the PHVA presented the 61st conference of the International Primatological Society and convinced participants of the competitive 25 Most Endangered Primates Meeting to include Hoolock Gibbon as one of the 25.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 8 x Based on the PHVA rationale the Hoolock gibbon has been identified as one of the top 25 endangered primate species of the world.
x An attractive, unique, highly threatened, flagship species which has hitherto been neglected on the world conservation agenda has been profiled internationally.
x A PHVA has created awareness amongst politicians and local conservation bodies who have started implementing the recommendations of the workshop
x Targeted education has resulted in a change of attitude from collecting hoolocks for zoos to conserving them in the wild
x The program has encouraged biologists to take up more intensive surveys which has resulted in discovery of another species of hoolock in South Asia (Das et al., 2006) (Annexure 6: Article published in Zoos’ Print Journal – Recent Survey after PHVA)
x Several education programmes has been conducted in India and Bangladesh with education packets/ drama kits/ summary produced specifically for that reason
x Established Network of key stakeholders for long-term collaboration.
x Bank of material to use for management, research and education/awareness/lobbying
x The combined activities of planning, implementation and follow up of the WHG PHVA has generated a series of plans for future training in captive husbandry, a collective cooperative captive breeding plan, and a translocation training to help stakeholders carry out other recommendations of the PHVA.
Deviations: Most of the objectives as outlined in the proposal were carried out without much deviation except some revisions on the educational project have been done (Permission for this was requested with Mr. Fred Bagley through email dated 29 December 2005). Also due to time constrains and delay in getting funds we did not do the first stage travel for facilitating the project. But later the budgeted amount was used for educational project and adjusted with the other accounts head that went beyond the budget.
Explain how the project resulted in the conservation and management of Great Ape populations locally, and it applicable, regionally and any reserves or protected areas benefiting from the project. A variety of management scenarios for the Hoolock has been created by the PHVA workshop with an objective to promote and conserve Hoolock through linking fragmented areas, upgrading protection, improved public education for this species at all levels, creating incentives etc. (See Annexure 2: Recommendations 9, 10 and 11). In India, Gibbons are found in 22 protected areas that will include Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks spread in six states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura) of Northeastern India. In Bangladesh WHG are found in six reserve forests. There are about 155 Gibbon localities in India and Bangladesh. The Tiger share its habitats with Hoolocks in some of the Protected Areas and Reserve Forests in Northeast India. For example in Assam State 5 National Parks and 10 Reserve forests are shared by Tigers and Gibbons (Annexure 7:
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 9 Hoolocks and Tiger sharing habitats in protected areas and Reserve forests).
It has been suggested in the working group that a detailed memorandum for the conservation of Hoolock Gibbons be prepared and submit to the state and central government along with the recommendations of PHVA workshop. It was also discussed to prepare a project proposal and submit to the Central government for declaring a “Project Gibbon” for the conservation of the species in its totality in like with Project Tiger or Project Elephant.
Education activities done as a follow up of the PHVA workshop has contributed much for this project. This will communicate information about gibbons, other animals like tiger, Rhinoceros and also about the ecosystems where they live. One of the major outcome of this project is a proposal for a series of education workshops for Gibbons in places where tigers and Gibbons share their habitat. This will be a venture involving the recently formed network members.
Explain how the project resulted in the development of the human resources needed to maintain an effective and sustainable management and conservation program locally, and if applicable, regionally.
This project has given way for the identification of key players in research, conservation, education, management, implementation in Gibbon conservation. ZOO’s Conservation Action Model has components like Networking, Capacity building through training, Field work and species information generation, Rapid species assessment and Education, lobbying and awareness. The conservation Action Model is a successful method tried by ZOO for different fauna groups. This helped in developing this loop that in the long run will assist to promote Gibbon conservation in this region
Briefly describe any cooperation and/or collaboration among local organizations that was directly associated with this project
Many institutes are involved for the successful conduct of this workshop. Through the network we reached about 56 institutes in India and Bangladesh. Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh was the main host and coordinator for the PHVA workshop conducted at Dhaka while the Forest Directorate, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was one of the local organisors. The logistics of the workshop by Dr. Anwarul Islam, Executive Secretary and all the other staff made everthing perfect. The WTB also associated in translating the education materials in Bangla and also in proper distribution. The workshop was attended by specialist from 30 institutes/organizations from India and Bangladesh.
Attach copies of products, photos, news articles, press releases, information on specific case studies, and other reports or pertinent information that can help in the final evaluation of the project.
See Annexure 8
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 10 Annexure 1 Conservation Action Model
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 12 Conservation Action Model – CBSG South Asia
CBSG South Asia is one of a suite of highly organized Networks hosted and administered by Zoo Outreach Organisation. ZOO/CBSG South Asia hosts 6 taxon based networks and 3 disciplinary networks. All the networks are systematic, more like organizations, with memberships (albeit complimentary). The networks work according to a five part model or loop illustrated below, consisting of the following elements:
Networking Conservation workshops Training Field studies Education
This series of initiatives that help in conservation work is called the Conservation Action Model. The CAM has been successfully tried with the following taxon and disciplinary networks. • Invertebrate Conservation and Information network of South Asia (ICINSA) • Amphibian Network of South Asia (ANSA) • South Asian Reptile Network (SARN) • Chiroptera Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (CCINSA) • South Asian Network of International Zoo educators Association (SAN IZE) • Rodentia, Insectivora, Lagomorpha, Scandentia Conservation and Information Network of South Asia (RILSCINSA) • Invertebrate Pollinator Network of South Asia (IPNSA) • SSC Reintroducatin Specialist Group – South Asia (RSGSA) • South Asian Primate Network
Conservation Action Model
Networking
Education Training Awareness Field studies Lobbying
CAMP workshop Recommendations
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 13 Annexure 2 Recommendations of the PHVA Workshop for Western Hoolock Gibbon
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 14 Conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock hoolock) in India and Bangladesh
Recommendations of the PHVA Workshop for Western Hoolock Gibbon In situ or field recommendations 1. In India the Western Hoolock Gibbon WHG is highly threatened due to habitat loss, but has been neglected compared to large mammals of the country. Considering the uniqueness of this species, the workshop recommends the development of a Ministry of Environment project dedicated to WHG for its long term conservation. A Memorandum should be submitted along these lines. 2. Habitat loss is the primary reason for decline of WHG in Bangladesh with 8 populations becoming extinct in the last 15 years. This decline in habitat must be arrested both in quantity and quality through multi-species plantations, checking illegal felling and other measures. 3. Legislative support (currently being updated) is urgently required for preventing illegal activities such as poaching, encroachment, etc. Even existing legislation can be effectively implemented through a coordinated approach, nurturing working relationships with NGOs, academics, local communities, and policy makers, training and sensitization of legislators towards the need of WHG. 4. In Bangladesh, there are 22 known populations of WHG, of which 18 have less than 10 animals, isolated and fragmented small populations which cannot survive due to their size and pressure on their habitat. The workshop recommends translocation of the small populations to larger, viable habitats, taking advice and help from the IUCN SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group. 5. The Workshop recommends enhanced monitoring of habitat of WHG on priority basis including creation of more wildlife posts for patrolling, specific training for management in scientific monitoring methodology, improved infrastructure and peoples’ participation. 6. As habitat loss and habitat destruction are the most important factor for decline of WHG in both countries, the workshop recommends a firm commitment from the two governments for wildlife habitat protection in localities associated with WHG and immediate follow up by the concerned departments. 7. The workshop recommends community-based eco-development programmes to be developed in order to generate alternate livelihood to check illegal activities in WHG habitat to minimize habitat loss. 8. The workshop recommends networking specialists, policymakers, law enforcement and celebrities popular with the general public to assist in producing an attitudinal change in politicians and general public, particularly local stakeholders, about the need for overall protection of WHG. 9. The workshop recommends both countries to create a widely available database on WHG and its requirements for survival to encourage educational projects including educational programmes directed at laypersons in the localities of the species. Religious leaders/teachers could be particularly effective combining scientific facts with religious scriptures about wildlife conservation. 10. The workshop recommended a sytematic study of the eight localities in which WHG had become complete extinct in the last three years in Bangladesh should be undertaken to determine the reasons
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 15 and causative factors so that the same could be recognised early in other localities. 11. Since translocation may be the only viable alternative to extinction of WHG which make up very small populations in several localities in both India and Bangladesh, the Working Group recommended that multidisciplinary teams for each country should be appointed consisting of experts from within the countries and external experts with experience in translocating similar species to assess proposed release sites for suitability, review socioecological and behavioural data on WHG to determine if these and legal requirements can be met, assess proposed individuals to be relocated keeping in mind genetic, demographic and health aspects, develop a strategy and timeframe for transport and release, establish and enact post-release monitoring and other follow up. The teams should also document project outcomes and keep the governments and conservation community fully informed. Ex situ or zoo conservation 12. As many WHGs have been taken from the wild in the past for exhibition in zoos and infructous captive breeding projects, and since the removal of even a very small number of animals can impact the future survival of the species, the workshop unanimously recommends that no further WHG should be captured from the wild for zoos or captive breeding centres. Zoos currently holding WHG should focus their conservation efforts on education, research and a regional cooperative breeding programme utilising currently held WHG taking advice and help from proven gibbon experts. 13. The workshop recommends that zoo education featuring WHG be given much more attention providing printed material, accurate, effective signage, trained educators and organized activities which to include outreach programmes to educate rural people in/near range of WHG. 14. The workshop recommends that the governments of both countries should insist that zoo staff and other researchers with training, experience, expertise and interest in the care and management of WHG and other threatened species remain in the zoo instead of being routinely transferred. 15. The workshop recommends that dramatic improvements be carried out in the areas of zoo husbandry, management and enclosures of WHG with advice from experts of international repute. This should include a Management Plan for daily care, a Cooperative Breeding Programme for WHG, and a detailed Husbandry Manual after assessment of current practices and enclosures of WHG by experts.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 16 Annexure 3 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for Bangladesh
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 17 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for Bangladesh
Goal I To earn firm commitment from politicians and policy makers for wildlife and habitat protection.
Action Plan Organizing conservation awareness programs for the politicians and policy makers. Publicizing the successful Hoolock conservation cases in the media. Projecting the economic benefit to the local communities through Hoolock related conservation programs.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Mr. Enayatullah Khan and Prof. Anwarul Islam of Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Dhaka will lead as agency to get commitment from the Bangladesh Government.
Goal II To assess and evaluate present status and distribution of Hoolock and its habitats in Bangladesh.
Action Plan 1. By creating more posts for wildlife conservation at different levels 2. By imparting training to the staff. 3. By developing suitable infra-structure to facilitate the staff to assess and evaluate gibbon habitat and population. 4. By adopting proper scientific methods for periodic estimation and assessment of hoolock population and habitat. 5. By developing vibrant and working coordination between research/academic institutions and forest department.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Hoolock researchers based at Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, and Ministry of Environment and Forests (Wildlife Circle), Government of Bangladesh.
Goal III To generate alternative livelihood to check illegal activities in and around Hoolock habitats.
Action Plan To discourage local illicitors, joint efforts be developed for their alternative livelihood in and around Hoolock habitats.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Non Governmental Organisations (yet to be identified), Hoolock researchers of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, Ministry of Environment and Forests (Wildlife
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 18 Table: Update of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock hoolock) distribution in Bangladesh
Rg Reserve Forest Range Location No. of No. of 1990 1996 2002 2005 Family Indivi- & Units duals before
Barolekha Barolekha 3 8 - - + + Patharia Patharia 1 2 + + + + Juri Lathitila 1 3 - - + NE Western Lawachara 12 37 ++++ Banugach FR Chautoli 2 5 - - - + Rajkandi Kalinji 6 16 - - + + Adampur 6 16 + + + + Horinchara 0 0 - + + Lo Tarap Hill Kalenga 1 1 - - + + Raghunandan Hill Satchari 3 7 + + + + Bariadhala Hazarikhil 0 0 + + + L§ Kaptai 4 14 + + + Chunati 0 0 + + + Lo Satghar 0 0 + + - Lo Padua 0 0 + - - Lo Bhomarighona 0 0 + + - Lo SE Himchari 0 0 + + - Lo Inani 2 5 - - + + Ukhia 2 6 + + + + Hnila 0 0 + + - Lo Teknaf 0 0 + + - Lo Bamu 4 14 - - - + Bangdepa 3 8 - - - + Bishari 3 7 - - - + Thanchi 3 7 - - - + Rampahar 5 16 - - - + Dighinala 3 7 - - + + Pablakhali 2 4 + + + + Massalong ND ND - - - + Lama ND ND - - - + Dhopachari 3 7 - - - L§ Sazak 4 12 - - - + Whykong ND ND - - - L§ Circle), Government of Bangladesh, local elites, religious leaders, and media (press, radio and television).
Goal IV To minimize human and other biotic pressure on Hoolock habitats.
Action Plan i. By initiating, facilitating and understanding community based programs (eg, eco- development, eco-tourism, joint conservation efforts, etc.) in and around Hoolock habitats.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Non Governmental Organisations (yet to be identified), Hoolock researchers of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, Ministry of Environment and Forests (Wildlife
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 19 Circle), Government of Bangladesh, local elites, religious leaders, and media (press, radio and television).
Goal V To create public awareness among primary stakeholders.
Action Plan i. By developing informal educational program for different stakeholders in and around Hoolock habitats. ii. By organizing programs for school children to sensitize them about importance of gibbon conservation. iii. By declaring and celebrating wildlife week, gibbon day, etc. with the active participation of local communities, children, and other stakeholders. iv. By organizing theme based seminars and workshops.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Non Governmental Organisations (yet to be identified), Hoolock researchers of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, Ministry of Environment and Forests (Wildlife Circle), Government of Bangladesh, local elites, religious leaders, and media (press, radio and television).
Goal VI. To create digital data base for gibbon population and habitat. Action Plan i. Having GIS images for entire Hoolock habitats to digitize hoolock population and habitats for future comparison and management plan.
Potential persons/institution for achieving the goal Hoolock researchers of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, Ministry of Environment and Forests (Wildlife Circle), Government of Bangladesh, and Space and Remote Sensing Organization of Bangladesh (SPARSO).
Actions proposed by Habitat and Distribution in Bangladesh Working Group
Goal- E-1 To achieve greater understanding of Hoolock gibbon in Bangladesh.
Actions: Collect accurate demographic and ecological data as well as condition of the gibbon habitats in the country, which should include- Demographic data of Hoolock in each habitat. Digitalized distribution of Hoolock in each habitat. Assessment of the habitat condition of hoolocks in its past and present ranges. Longterm monitoring of population dynamics of hoolock in the country.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 20 Responsible Parties: Gibbon specialist group of the country. Timeline: Begin in 2005, continue every year. Outcome: Development of long-term management plan for gibbon conservation. Collaborators: Department of Zoology of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University and Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of Bangladesh (especially Wildlife Circle). Costs: USD 10,000.00 per year for 5 year. Consequences: Better knowledge about the gibbon distribution and habitat requirements in the Country. Habitat and wildlife will be less disturbed. Obstacles: Funding to undertake such action is the major obstacle.
GoalA-1 To improve the socio-economic as well as educational status of the people and alleviate poverty.
Actions: By initiating, facilitating and understanding community based programs (eg, eco-development, eco-tourism, joint conservation efforts, etc.) in and around Hoolock habitats. Responsible Parties: Different NGOs should be engaged to undertake poverty alleviation project in and around Hoolock habitats under supervision of FD (Wildlife Circle). Timeline: Beginning July 2005, continuing every year. Outcome: Forest dependent people (Forest users) will be engaged in other professions for their livelihood. Collaborators: NGOs, Department of Zoology of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University and Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of Bangladesh (especially Wildlife Circle), and local elites. Costs: a revolving capital of USD 50,000.00 to be provided to the NGOs for running program. Consequences: Habitat and wildlife will be less disturbed. Obstacles: Funding to undertake such action is the major obstacle.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 21 Annexure 4 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for India
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 22 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Habitat and Distribution Working Group for India
C. GOALS Keeping in mind the problem statements, we listed the following goals required to overcome these problems :
1. Develop political will 2. Coordinate between various agencies 3. Improvement of communication facilities except roads 4. Eviction of encroachers 5. Demarcation of forest boundaries 6. Enforce strict policing 7. More man-power for protection 8. Training on legal issues 9. Educate the community and religious leaders 10. Minimize jhum cultivation
ACTION STATEMENT
1. Arrest habitat loss Prepare a detailed memorandum for the conservation of Hoolock Gibbons and submit the same to the state and central government. Include the recommendations of the PHVA workshop in the memorandum Prepare a project proposal and submit the same to the Central govt. for declaring a "Project Gibbon" for the conservation of the species in its totality in line with Project Tiger or Project Elephant
2. Better understanding of Hoolock Gibbon distribution Conduct surveys in unexplored habitat of Hoolocks in northeastern States and Reevaluate the current status of previously surveyed areas Undertake extensive field research on several ecological parameters of Hoolock Gibbons.
3. Political will Build up pressure on the government and politicians through involvement of celebrities as ambassadors of Hoolock Gibbon conservation in the wild.
4. Socio-economic as well as educational status of people to alleviate poverty Conduct socio-economic survey among the fringe area people Promote sustainable ecotourism and ecodevelopment activities Creation of community forests to generate biomass (such as fuel wood, fodder, small timber etc) Check cross border human infiltration.
5. More man power for protection of Hoolock gibbon habitat Impress upon the government and try to accord sanction for the creation of new posts of wildlife protective staff, in the staff crunched Hoolock Gibbon habitats of northeastern India
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 23 Train the existing and newly recruited staff and equip them with advanced gadgets for effective implementation of the law for the conservation of the species Provide incentives to the staff for outstanding services towards gibbon conservation
6. Legislative support for preventing illegal activities Help the judiciary with necessary information through manuals and documents for speedy action on the cases related to wildlife in general and Hoolock Gibbon in particular Establishment of more green benches for fast solving of legal issues on wildlife
Table: The summary of the action statement along with the time frame, responsibility and the budget
Action Responsibility Time line
Prepare a detailed memorandum for the conservation Sally Walker, ZOO, WTB, 3 months of Hoolock Gibbon and submit the same to the State WTI, WWF, Gauhati and central government. Include the recommendations University, Primate Research of the PHVA workshop in the memorandum Centre, CBSG, WII, Gibbon Conservation Center
Prepare a project proposal and submit the same to the AK Gupta, WII & ZOO 5 months Central govt. for declaring a "Project Gibbon" for the conservation of the species in its totality in line with Project Tiger or Project Elephant
Conduct surveys in unexplored habitat of gibbon in NE Jihouso Biswas, Dilip Chetry, 5 yrs. States and Reevaluate the current status of previously Rekha & Prof. M Mohnot, surveyed areas Primate Research Centre, Wild survey, WII, Forest departments, Gauhati University
Undertake extensive field research on several ecological Jihouso, Dilip, Rekha & Prof. 2 yrs. parameters of Hoolock Gibbon M Mohnot, Primate Research Centre, Wild survey, WII Forest departments, Gauhati University
Build up pressure on the govt. and politicians through Joydeep Bose, Sangita 2 yrs. involvement of celebrities as ambassdora of Hoolock Mitra, WTI, WWF Gibbon conservation
Conduct socio-economic survey among the fringe are Sangeeta Mitra, WWF, 2 yrs. people Dilip Chetry, Aranyak
Promote sustainable ecotourism and ecodevelopment Dilip Chetry, Joydeep, Sangita 5 yrs. activities
Creation of community forests to generate biomass Sangita Mitra, WWF, Dilip 5 yrs. (such as fuel wood, fodder, small timber etc) Chetry, WTI, PRC, forest department
Check cross border human infiltration. MOEF, external affairs ministry 5 yrs. human resource development, WTI, WWF
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 24 Action Responsibility Time line
Impress upon the govt. and try to accord sanction for Joydeep Bose, WTI 1 yr. the creation of new posts of wildlife protective staff, in the staff crunched Hoolock Gibbon habitats of NE India
Train the existing and newly recruited staff and equip Joydeep Bose, Sangita 5 yrs. them with advanced gadgets for effective implementation Mitra, WTI, WWF, Dilip of the law for the conservation of the species Chetry, PRC
Provide incentives to the staff for outstanding services Joydeep Bose, WTI, WWF 5 yrs. towards gibbon conservation
Help the judiciary with necessary informaiton through Joydeep Bose, Sangita 5 yrs. manuals and documents for speedy action on the cases Mitra, WTI, WWF, Dilip related to Wildlife in general and Hoolock Gibbon Chetry, Aranyak Gibbon in particular
Establishment of more green benches for fast solving Joydeep Bose, Sangita 5 yrs. of legal issues on wildlife Mitra, WTI, WWF, Dilip Chetry, Aranyak
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 25 Annexure 5 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Wild Population Management Working Group
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 26 Prioritization of goals and action plans recommended by Wild Population Management Working Group
PRIORITIZATION OF GOALS AND ACTION PLANS RECOMMENDED
Goal I To arrest habitat loss Action Plan Two fold actions are proposed to achieve the goal of arresting the loss of habitat, one by making good of the quantitative losses to the habitat, and second by restoring the qualitative losses to the existing habitat. Following specific Action Points are proposed:
1. The quantitative losses can be made good of by reclaiming encroached land by invoking the enabling legislative measures and by undertaking rehabilitation activities for the people to move them outside the Hoolock habitat. 2. The qualitative losses can be restored: i. By improving the degraded Hoolock habitats by facilitating aided natural regeneration, raising new plantations of food species, improving the canopy cover, and improving water regime inside gibbon habitat. ii. By completely checking illegal felling/cutting of trees. iii. By completely stopping or minimizing the collection of non-wood forest products by the local human populations from the Hoolock habitat. iv. By invoking the Conservation and Community Reserve Provisions of the Wildlife (P) Act of India to link fragmented Protected Areas having critical Hoolock habitat and population. v. By facilitating canopy connectivity using bamboo bridges (successfully done in Assam).
Goal II To earn political will in favour of conservation Action Plan 1. By conducting conservation awareness programmes for policy makers and politicians 2. By motivating the media to win favour of politicians by projecting ecological and economic benefits accruing through gibbon conservation programmes. 3. By highlighting the economic and other benefits to the local people from conservation of Hoolock and their habitat, which in turn may convince politicians about its importance. 4. By involving tribal or religious leaders while drawing up the conservation awareness programmes. 5. By creating publicity/extension wings/divisions/cells, etc. in the forest department for periodic and regular documentation and dissemination of success stories linking gibbon conservation with economic development of local human communities. 6. By preparing educational materials specifically tailor made for politicians and religious leaders for awareness.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 27 Goal II To receive legislative support for preventing illegal activities for conservation of Hoolock Action Plan 1. Creation of infrastructures (e.g., protection camps, wireless networks, transportation facilities, watch towers, etc.) for enabling staff to perform protection activities effectively. 2. Introducing enabling amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act of Bangladesh to make it effective for Hoolock conservation in contemporary field situation. 3. By constituting co-ordination committees consisting of members from other enforcement agencies (Police, Customs, Judiciary, District Administration, Armed Forces, Paramilitary services, etc.) for supplementing and strengthening the Wildlife legislation with enabling provisions of other Acts / Legislation for effective conservation of Hoolock habitat and population. 4. By creating and constantly nurturing working relationships with the NGOs and other Research and Academic Institutions. 5. By inducting local communities to impart protection (e.g., Van Vahini) in the Hoolock habitat in lieu of the community based economic benefits rendered to them by the Forest Department. 6. By filling up all the vacant posts especially in gibbon areas and providing them training in wildlife related legislation and its implementation techniques. 7. By initiating and regularly conducting the in-service training programmes especially for the front line staff in various aspects of wildlife conservation with special reference to the conservation of Hoolock habitat and population. These training courses may cover aspects related with habitat improvement, conducting population estimation, undertaking effective community based programmes, wildlife laws, etc. 8. By sensitizing the lawyers / judges and policy makers in the importance of Hoolock conservation through theme based seminars / discussions etc.
Drawing by Arnab Roy
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 28 Annexure 6 6 Article published in Zoos’ Print Journal - Recent Survey after PHVA
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 29 PAPER ZOOS' PRINT JOURNAL 21(7): 2316-2320
FIRST DISTRIBUTION RECORDS OF THE EASTERN HOOLOCK GIBBON HOOLOCK HOOLOCK LEUCONEDYS FROM INDIA
J. Das 1,2,3, J. Biswas 1,3, P.C. Bhattacharjee 1,3, S.M. Mohnot 1
1 Primate Research Centre, Northeast Centre, House No 4; Ananda Nagar, Bye lane No 3, P.O. Pandu, Guwahati, Assam 781012, India 2 Wildlife Areas Development and Welfare Trust; M.G. Road, Guwahati, Assam 781001, India 3 Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781001, India Email: 2 [email protected] web supplement
ABSTRACT Hoolock gibbon has two recognized subspecies: western subspecies is known as Hoolock hoolock hoolock and eastern subspecies as Hoolock hoolock leuconedys. Knowledge so far on the distribution of the western subspecies shows that they are distributed in India, Bangladesh and west of Chindwin river in Myanmar. On the other hand the eastern subspecies is distributed in China and east of Chindwin river in Myanmar. A recent survey confirms the eastern subspecies from Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.
KEYWORDS Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Hoolock Gibbon, Hoolock hoolock leuconedys, Lohit district, morphological characters, new record
Hoolock Gibbon or White-browed Gibbon Hoolock hoolock grizzled; white brow streaks close together, connected by white (Harlan, 1834) is one of the 12 species of lesser apes found in hairs; a little white on chin or under eyes (Groves, 2001). Adult South and Southeast Asia. The genus Hoolock is represented females of this subspecies have a distinct central part in the by one species. Males have black hair with a pale brow that head hair. The hair of females' hands and feet are generally the flicks up at the ends. Female pelage is copper-tan with dark- same colour as the body hair (Image 1w), but there is a black brown hair on the sides of the face, chest and genital fringe. fringe on the fingers, toes, and on the edge of the hands (Groves, The female's face ring is wide above the eyes, turns upwards at 1972). the ends, and becomes thin as it encircles the muzzle. Shorter hairs on the sides of the neck give this gibbon's face a triangular Characteristics of the eastern subspecies H. h. leuconedys appearance. The muzzle is larger compared to other gibbon The adult males of the eastern population of the species are species with a thin tuft of hair on the chin. The chest region is black with brown overlay (Marshall & Sugardjito, 1986), narrow. Ischial callosities are heavily furred. Infants' coats are perputial tuft white; brow streaks well separated with no white grey-white with a yellow tinge (McCann, 1933) they eventually hairs between; chin and suborbital zone often with white hairs. turn black. At puberty, females turn pale while males remain Adult females have lighter hands and feet (Groves, 1972). The black throughout adult life. Hoolock Gibbons produce a females' digits may have a trace of black on them. The females' belching growl vocalization, the only gibbon species to do so crown hair grows slightly upwards and toward the nape of the (Mootnick, et al., 1987). This subgenus is characterized by a neck and is not parted down the middle (Mootnick’s Gibbon diploid chromosome number of 38 (Prouty et al., 1983a,b). Conservation Centre website).
Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape species found in India. Besides Distribution of H. h. hoolock India, this gibbon is distributed in the neighboring countries - The eastern limit of the western subspecies is up to the river Chittgong Hill Tracts [now in Bangladesh] (Anderson, 1878), Chindwin of Myanmar (Groves, 1967, 1972). In the west it is British Burma [now Mayanmar] (Tickell, 1864), eastern frontier distributed in the forests of Sylhet, Chittagong (Gittins, 1980; of Yunnan [now China] (Anderson, 1878), and probably in Lao Gittins & Akonda, 1982) and in Mymensingh (Khan, 1984, 1985) PDR (IUCN, 2000). of Bangladesh and its northern limit is up to the Dibang- Brahmaputra river system of India (Tilson, 1979). The southern Groves (1967) differentiated two subspecies of Hoolock Gibbon limits of the range is uncertain (Groves, 1972). Detailed and recently Mootnick and Groves (2005) provided a new distribution record in northeastern India was discussed by Das generic name Hoolock to the species, which was originally (2002), Das et al. (2003; 2005), Molur et al. (2003) and Molur et described as Hylobates, later changed to Bunopithecus: al. (2005). As per Groves (1972) the subspecies occurs in 1. Hoolock hoolock hoolock (Western Hoolock Gibbon) and altitudes from 152.4 to 1371.6m, but Das et al. (2005) reported 2. Hoolock hoolock leuconedys (Eastern Hoolock Gibbon). its altitudinal distribution from 50m to 1400m. Groves (1967) documented the racial variation in colour on the opposite banks of the river Chindwin in Myanmar.
Characteristics of the western subspecies H. h. hoolock Adult males on the west side of the river Chindwin (H. hoolock w see Images on the web at www.zoosprint.org hoolock) are jet black with perputial tuft black or only faintly © Zoo Outreach Organisation; www.zoosprint.org Manuscript 1530; Received 25 February 2006; Revised received 04 May 2006; Finally accepted 13 June 2006; Date of publication 21 June 2006 2316 July 2006 | ISSN 0973-2535 (Print edition); 0973-2551 (Online edition) Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 30 First distribution records of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys from India J. Das et al.
Distribution of H. h. leuconedys and are described in detail in NRC (1981). Broad surveys The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon is known to be distributed are useful technique for obtaining information on the to the east of the Chindwin river to Salween river in presence and relative numbers of a species population in Myanmar and southwestern Yunnan Province in China at particular areas. Secondary information was collected an altitude range of 1066.8 to 1219.2m (Groves, 1971). through interviewing the local villagers.
While conducting survey in Tirap, Changlang and Lohit RESULTS districts of Arunachal Pradesh for nonhuman primates, Preliminary observations of the individuals of the groups we found Hoolock Gibbons with different colouration, and their distribution are as follows: particularly in Lohit district. Literature consultation (Groves, 1972, 2001) and personal correspondence with Hoolock hoolock leuconedys characteristics some Gibbon experts (Geissman, Brockelman and Adult male of the group have: a. black coat, b. white Mootnick) led us to report the occurrence of the Eastern perputial tuft (Image 2w), and c. brow streaks well Hoolock Gibbon in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh in separated with no white hairs between (Image 3w). Adult India. females of the group have distinctly lighter hands and feet (Image 4w), which is a distinct character of leuconedys Based on the preliminary survey in Lohit district this paper subspecies of hoolock. tries to evaluate: a. the distributional status of the leuconedys subspecies in India; b. group size; and c. It was not possible to identify all the morphological threats characters as the animals are very shy and high in the canopy, and were not trapped. However, the taxon is METHODS distinctly different in its colouration from the western Surveys were conducted from May 2005 to January 2006 subspecies, which were confirmed through binoculars and in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. For this study photographs (Images 1-4w). existing forest trails, paths and roads were followed by a team of three observers. We slowly walked trails and off Hoolock hoolock leuconedys, the eastern subspecies of trails from 0530 to 1000hr and from 1200 to 1500hr everyday. Hoolock Gibbon is reported for the first time from India. Whenever a gibbon group was sighted, we recorded the colour patterns, group size, age and sex composition. Distribution Approximate location of group on a map, nearest landmark The eastern subspecies is found to be distributed between and the latitude-longitude and altitude (using MegallanTM the river Lohit in the north and the high altitude mountains GPS) were recorded for every sighting. A survey of the Dafa Bum in the south (Fig. 1; Image 5w). The procedure was developed to maximize and standardize distribution area lies mostly under the Namsai Forest the information to be gathered within the survey area. Division and parts of Miao Forest Division of Arunachal Because we were covering a large geographic area with Pradesh. The eastern subspecies was recorded from all mostly inaccessible terrain in a relatively short period of the forested areas surveyed under these divisions (Table time, broad survey methods and interviews were used 1). Namsai Forest Division has eight reserve forests, three (NRC, 1981; Sussman & Phillips-Conroy, 1995). Broad anchal reserve forests and one village reserve forest. All survey methods have been used in a number of studies the 12 forests constitute an area of 1897.74km2. Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 783km2 is under Miao w see Images on the web at www.zoosprint.org
Table 1. Distribution of Hoolock hoolock in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh
Forest Division Forest Area (km2) Gibbon taxon recorded
1 Miao Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary 783.00 H. h. leuconedys 2 Namsai Turung Reserve Forest 143.47 H. h. leuconedys 3 Namsai Kamlang Reserve Forest 978.20 H. h. leuconedys 4 Namsa Manbhum Reserve Forest 136.05 H. h. leuconedys 5 Namsai Namsai Reserve Forest 23.74 H. h. leuconedys 6 Namsai Nao Dehing Reserve Forest 11.17 H. h. leuconedys 7 Namsai Piyeng Reserve Forest 12.26 H. h. leuconedys 8 Namsai Lohit Reserve Forest 47.58 H. h. leuconedys 9 Namsai Tengapani Reserve Forest 443.92 H. h. leuconedys 10 Namsai Kamphai Anchal Reserve Forest 13.50 H. h. leuconedys 11 Namsai Lai Anchal Reserve Forest 38.9 H. h. leuconedys 12 Namsai Khamti-Singphoo-Punkar Anchal Reserve Forest 28.2 Not surveyed 13 Namsai Kharen Village Reserve Forest 20.75 Not surveyed July 2006 Zoos' Print Journal 21(7): 2316-2320 2317
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 31 First distribution records of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys from India J. Das et al.
Lohit river Survey required
Distribution of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys in India
Habitat contiguity with eastern subspecies in Myanmar
High altitudine zone as barrier for distribution
Chukan Pass
Distribution of Hoolock hoolock hoolock in India (part) H.h.h
Chindween River
H.h.l
Figure 1. Distribution of eastern and western sub species of Hoolock Gibbon in Arunachal Pradesh
Forest Division. So the total forested area under the Group size distribution range of this subspecies in India is estimated A total of 168 individuals were observed. Excluding three to be 2631.79km2 excluding one anchal reserve forest and lone individuals, 165 individuals were found in 49 groups. one village reserve forest. Average group size was 3.37. Most of the groups were observed with four individuals (Table 2). Latitude- Apart from H. h. leuconedys, Capped Langur longitude of some selected groups are shown in Table 2; (Trachypithecus pileatus), Stump-tailed Macaque (Macaca altitude ranged from 122m to 1075m. arctoides), Northern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca leonina), Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis), and Threats Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) were also recorded. Hoolock Gibbon is protected by the traditional beliefs of Indirect evidences suggested the presence of Bengal Slow Digaru Mishmi, Idu Mishmi and Khamti tribes in this part Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) in this region. of Arunachal Pradesh. Except gibbons they hunt all other 2318 July 2006 Zoos' Print Journal 21(7): 2316-2320
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 32 First distribution records of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys from India J. Das et al. Table 2. Details of group size, location of the groups and 8. Lack of awareness about conservation corresponding altitudes 9. Lack of motivation among forest staff Group size Latitude Longitude Altitude (m) DISCUSSION 14 27045'N 95068'E 166 22 27045'N 95056'E 177 Presence of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys is reported for 34 27045'N 95059'E 122 the first time from India. From our preliminary survey the 4 5 -- -- distribution between river Lohit in the north and Dafa 54 27044'N 95055'E 157 64 27043'N 96003'E 165 Bum (>4500m) in the south is continuous with the 73 27043'N 96004'E 172 distribution range of the eastern subspecies in Myanmar 8 4 -- -- 177 (Fig. 1). 9 4 -- -- 193 10 4 -- -- 204 Although the existing literature suggests that the 11 5 2 7 047'N 96012'E 216 Chindwin river divides eastern and western subspecies, 12 3 27046'N 96013'E 233 13 3 27043'N 96011'E 242 there is no record of Hoolock Gibbon in the north of 14 5 27044'N 96012'E 240 Sumprabum (26035'N & 97042'E). Moreover, the Chindwin 15 3 27048'N 96017'E 282 river starts from the south of the Chukan pass in 16 4 27043'N 96012'E 292 17 2 -- -- 249 Changlang district. To the north of Chukan pass, north of 18 3 27046'N 96016'E 362 the high altitude mountains, there is no physical barrier 19 4 -- -- 298 for H. h. leuconedys and the habitat is contiguous with 20 4 27046'N 96020'E 378 21 4 -- -- 337 the eastern subspecies' distribution range in Myanmar. 22 2 27045'N 96020'E 382 Surveys are required to confirm the taxonomic identity of 23 4 -- -- 348 the population between the Dibang River and the Lohit 24 2 27046'N 96021'E 512 25 3 27045'N 96020'E 294 River (Miao Wildlife Sanctuary and other adjoining 26 2 27044'N 96019'E 407 forested areas). 27 3 27043'N 96019'E 448 28 1 27045'N 96021'E 370 29 6 27041'N 96019'E 485 30 2 27041'N 96020'E 496 Earlier all the gibbons in India were considered to be the 31 2 27043'N 96025'E 633 32 2 -- -- 654 western subspecies and based on that Namdapha NP and 33 1 27037'N 96019'E 1043 Kamlang WLS and Kamlang RF were supposed to be the 34 2 27038'N 96020'E 1075 largest continuous forest patch left for conservation of 35 4 -- -- 571 36 3 27037'N 96020'E 1035 the Western Hoolock Gibbon in India. But after the 36 3 27037'N 96019'E 577 present findings of the Kamlang population (both RF and 37 3 -- -- 810 WLS) as eastern subspecies, conservation scenario for 38 4 27036'N 96019'E 669 39 2 27037'N 96019'E 731 both the subspecies in India has to be revisited. A detailed 40 3 -- -- 653 study is required to evaluate the population status of the 41 3 -- -- 724 eastern subspecies in India. 42 2 -- -- 609 43 3 -- -- 601 44 2 27036'N 96020'E 721 A remarkable difference has been observed between the 45 4 -- -- 683 group size of both the subspecies. Average group size is 46 4 27035'N 96020'E 681 47 4 -- -- 642 larger (3.37) in eastern subspecies than the western 48 3 -- -- 684 subspecies (2.9) (Das, et al., 2005). 49 3 -- -- 753 50 3 27035'N 96021'E 708 51 4 27016'N 96007'E 545 Groves (1971) suggested altitudinal distribution of the eastern subspecies is between 1066.8 and 1219.2m. Eastern 168 subspecies in India were found at much lower elevations from 122 to 1075m. It is expected that the subspecies will be nonhuman primates found in the region. The major threats found in higher elevations in India also. the eastern subspecies of Hoolock Gibbon face in India are: Although the local tribes do not kill gibbons yet there are 1. Habitat fragmentation several problems, viz., rapid habitat loss, fragmentation, 2. Habitat destruction alteration of habitat, etc. Most of the areas are protected 3. Change in the land use pattern in Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Kamlang Reserve 4. Jhum (slash and burn) cultivation Forest only because they are not accessible. Sincere 5. Conversion of forest areas to tea gardens efforts for conservation including detailed surveys, 6. Expansion of road network population monitoring and behaviour study with long- 7. High tension electric wires term vision are required. July 2006 Zoos' Print Journal 21(7): 2316-2320 2319
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 33 First distribution records of Hoolock hoolock leuconedys from India J. Das et al.
REFERENCES Conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock Anderson, J. (1878). Anatomical and zoological researches. hoolock) in India and Bangladesh. Zoo Outreach Organisation / Comprising an account of the zoological results of the two CBSG-South Asia, Coimbatore, India, 132pp. expeditions to western Yunnan in 1868 and 1875. Quaritch, Mootnick, A.R. and C. Groves (2005). A new generic name for London. the Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobatidae). International Journal of Das, J. (2002). Socioecology of Hoolock Gibbon Hylobates Primatology 26(4): 971-976. hoolock hoolock (Harlan, 1834) in response to habitat change. Mootnick, A., M. Van Benscoten, E. Haimoff (1987). Dietary Ph.D. Thesis under Gauhati University, Guwahati, India. specializations of gibbons and a homeopathic approach towards Das. J., M.M. Feeroz, M.A. Islam, J. Biswas, P. Bujarborua, maintaining captive specimens. X Conference of the American D. Chetry, R. Medhi and J. Bose (2003). Distribution of Society of Primatologists. Madison, Wisconsin, June 13-16. Hoolock Gibbon (Bunopithecus hoolock hoolock) in India and American Journal of Primatology 12: 361. Bangladesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 18(1): 969-976. Prouty, L.A., P.D. Buchanan, W.S. Pollitzer and A.R. Das, J., P.C. Bhattacharjee, J. Biswas and D. Chetry (2005). Mootnick (1983a). A presumptive new hylobatid subgenus with Western Hoolock Gibbon: Socioecology, Threats and Conservation 38 chromosomes. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics 35: 141-2. Action Plan. Gauhati University, Guwahati and Primate Research Prouty, L.A., P.D. Buchanan, W.S. Pollitzer and A.R. Centre, Northeast Centre, Guwahati, 70pp. Mootnick (1983b). Bunopithecus: A genus level taxon for the Ferguson, D.E. (1998). Indo-US Primate Project Annual Report Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock). American Journal of Year 04: 1998 [Unpublished Report], Jodhpur (India). 40pp. Primatology 5: 83-87 Gibbon Conservation Center (2006). www.gibboncenter.org. Sussman, R.W. and J.E. Phillips-Conroy, (1995). A survey of Accessed in March 2006. the distribution and density of the primates of Guyana. Gittins, S.P. (1980). A survey of primates of Bangladesh. Report International Journal of Primatology 16: 761-792. to FAO. Tickell, S.R. (1864). Notes on the gibbon of Tenasserim, Gittins, S.P. and A.W. Akonda (1982). What survives in Hylobates lar. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 33: 196- Bangladesh?. Oryx XVI(3): 5-11. 199. Groves, C.P. (1967). Geographic variation in the hoolock or Tilson, R.L. (1979). On the behavior of Hoolock Gibbons White-browed Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock Harlan, 1834). Folia (Hylobates hoolock) during different seasons in Assam, India. Primatologica 7: 276-283. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 4(1): 1-16. Groves, C.P. (1971). Geographic and individual variation in Bornean gibbons, with remarks on the systematics of the subgenus ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Hylobates. Folia Primatologica 14: 139-53. Our sincere thank goes to the PCCF, Addl. PCCF and Chief Wildlife Groves, C.P. (1972). Systematics and phylogeny of gibbons, pp.1- Warden of Forest Department and Under Secretary of Political 89. In: Rumbaugh, D.M. (Ed.). Gibbon and Siamang Vol 1. Karger, Department of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for giving Basel. us the permission and Inner Line Permit to carryout the survey in Groves, C.P. (2001). Primate Taxonomy. Smithsonian Institution Lohit District. We are also thankful to the CF (WL), DFO, Namsai Press, Washington and London, 350pp. Territorial Forest Division; DFO, Miao Wildlife Forest Division Harlan, R. (1834). Description of a species of Orang from the and all the Range Officers for their support. We are especially northeastern province of British East India, lately the kingdom indebted to Mr. Rana, RO, Kamlang WLS and the Circle Officer of of Assam. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Wakro for their logistic support. Our sincere thank goes to some Philadelphia (NS) 4: 52-59. of the organizations like The School of Desert Science and Dibru IUCN (2000). IUCN Red List Categories. The World Conservation Saikhowa Wildlife Conservation Society for various organizational Union (IUCN), Species Survival Commission (SSC), Gland, supports. We are also thankful to Mr. Jaynal Abedin, Mr. Abhijit Suitzerland. Das and Mr. Dhiraj Borah for their generous help and Mr. Yunis Khan, M.R.A. (1984). Endangered mammals of Bangladesh. Oryx Ali for his hospitality. We thank our field assistants Pradeep 18 (3): 152-156. Barman and Ram Munda for their help and assistance in the field. Khan, M.R.A. (1985). Mammals of Bangladesh: A Field Guide. The work was not possible without the financial support from Nazma Khan, Dhaka. Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, Great Ape Conservation Mc Cann, F.L.S. (1933). Notes on the colouration and habits of Fund of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Primate Action Fund of the White-browed Gibbon or Hoolock (Hylobates hoolock Harl.). Conservation International, and Primate Conservation Inc. We Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society XXXVI: 395- are thankful to all these organizations. 405. Marshall, J. and J. Sugardjito (1986). Gibbon Sysematics, pp. 137-185. In: Swindler, D. (Ed.). Comparative Primate Biology: Systematics, Evolution and Anatomy. AR Liss, New York. Mohnot S.M., C.H. Southwick, P.C. Bhattacharjee and D.A. NRC. (1981). Techniques for the Study of Primate Population Ecology. National Research Council (NRC), National Academy Press, Washington D.C. Molur, S., D. Brandon-Jones, W. Dittus, A. Eudey, A. Kumar, M. Singh, M.M. Feeroz, M. Chalise, P. Priya and S. Walker (Eds.). (2003). Status of South Asian Primates: Conservation Asessment and Managament Plan (C.A.M.P.) Workshop Report, 2003. Zoo Outreach Organisation / CBSG-South Asia, Coimbatore, India viii+432pp. Molur, S., S. Walker, A. Islam, P. Miller, C. Srinivasulu, P.O. Nameer, B.A. Daniel and L. Ravikumar (Eds.). (2005). 2320 July 2006 Zoos' Print Journal 21(7): 2316-2320
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 34 Annexure 7 Hoolock Gibbon and Tiger sharing habitats in Protected areas and Reserve forests
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 35 Hoolock Gibbon and Tiger sharing habitats in Prtected areas and Reserve forests
PA’s with Gibbon and Tiger: 1. Kaziranga NP 2. Dibru-Saikhowa NP 3. Gibbon WLS 4. Marat Longri WLS 5. Nambor WLS
Reserved Forest with Gibbon and Tiger: 1. Joypore RF 2. Upper Dehing RF 3. Kamakhya RF 4. Bagser RF 5. Doboka RF 6. Dolamora RF 7. Amsolong PRF 8. Balasore PRF 9. Umjakani PRF 7. Nambor RF
For tiger distribution you should refer the book- ‘Status of Tigers in Assam, 2000" published by Wild Grass, Kaziranga,2003 by B.N. Talukdar and A.K. Barua.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 36 Annexure 8a Products produced
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 37 Drama kit with a guideline book in English
Hoolock Gibbon Education Packets in English and Bangla along with a guideline book
Hoolock Gibbon PHVA Report Hoolock Gibbon PHVA Summary in English Report in English
Hoolock Gibbon Poster in English and Bangla
Hoolock Gibbon PHVA Report and follow up Educational items produced
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 38 Drama Kit for Hoolock Gibbons (21 different kind of masks and a drama guideline to conduct programs)
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 39 Hoolock Gibbon Education Packet made in English
Hoolock Gibbon Education Packet made in Bangla language
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 40 Hoolock Gibbon PHVA - Technical Briefing Books provided to the participants
Primate CAMP report Primate CAMP Summary Primate Educational Manual Primate Education packets
Hoolock Gibbon PHVA - Other Technical items provided to the participants
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 41 Hoolock Gibbon PHVA - Participants hand over materials (Bag, T-shirt, Pad, Pen, Name Tag, Stickers, Certificate, Group Photo etc.,)
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 42 Annexure 8b Education reports received till now
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 43 Conservation Education Workshop titled ‘We are here to save our forests, our tigers and our hoolocks’
Background: Public awareness for threatened species conservation depend basically on the services of the educators, conservationists and it is an urgent need for the nation to develop its future generations as conservationists. Keeping this in mind, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) organized a unique conservation education workshop for school children of 1-7 standard (age ranges from 6-12 years) called ‘We are here to save our forests, our tigers and our hoolocks’. A total of 35 students attended the programme. The substance of the workshop was awareness building using the ‘active learning’ method. This method helped children to learn better and retain what they have learned by taking them through interactive lessons with games, creative activities and other mechanisms. The workshop themed on conservation need for some threatened wildlife of Bangladesh like the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). Members of the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and Mr. M.R. Deedar, Senior Teacher, Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifles College organized the workshop. Gawsia Wahidunness Chowdhury, Suprio Chakma, Shahriar Mahmud, Nurul Basar Sarker, Afroza Yasmin and Kamruzzaman of the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh participated actively in conducting the workshop. Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury coordinated the workshop.
Objective: This conservation education workshop for threatened species of Bangladesh is an initiative or responsibility we have to shoulder for the future generations - a responsibility, which is being increasingly recognized and finds its expression in course of time. The objective of the workshop is to educate the participants about some threatened species of Bangladesh through advanced learning methods such as games and activities using Tiger and Hoolock as examples, the importance of the species and their conservation and the importance of suitable habitats and the need to preserve forests to protect wildlife. The programme also aims to train and develop creativity in participants by preparing them how to get involved in group activities and discussions.
Organizers: The workshop was organized and conducted by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and the participant of similar workshops organized by the same Trust, Mr. M.R. Deedar, Senior Teacher (Art), Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifles College, Dhaka.
Educational Materials Sponsored: Provided by Zoo Outreach Organisation through Great Ape Conservation Fund of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA
Participants: A total of 35 school children of 1-7 standard (age ranges from 6-12 years) attended the workshop. Among all the participants, 18 students were from class four, 10 from class three, 5 from class two, 1 from class one and 1 from class seven.
Venue: Active Learning Workshop titled ‘We are here to save our forests, our tigers and our hoolocks’ was held at Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifiles College, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Headquarters, Peelkhana, Dhaka.
Guests: Parents of some students, teachers, other students and the members of Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh were present. Among others Professor Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh; Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Principal, Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifiles College, BDR Headquarter, Peelkhana; were present.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 44 Agenda: The agenda of the workshop was basically designed to raise awareness to conserve our forests, threatened species to celebrate the 5 day long yearly art exhibition of the school children of Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifiles College. The purpose of the workshop was to make the school children aware of the precariousness of Tiger, Hoolock Gibbon and stress upon the importance of its conservation. The three hour long workshop included Art Exhibition on tigers, hoolocks and other animals. Registration: Know each other, Thinking about the living world: Story of life, Introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh and an eco-game termed Resource Round Up-”Tiger-tiger....what man!” keeping two threatened species as the central characters.
Programmes/agenda for the workshop ‘We are here to save our forests, our tigers and our hoolocks’is given below:
Time Details 1000-1015 Inaugural session, Exhibition - Environment and Threatened species (Hoolock Gibbon, Bengal Tiger) in arts 1015-1050 Know each other – Registration through creative activity 1050-1100 Thinking about the living world: Story of life 1100-1115 Distribution of gift and workshop materials 1100-1115 Introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh 1115-1140 Resource round up “Tiger-Tiger!!———What man!!” 1140-1200 Pledge from the participants 1200-1300 Valedictory- Exhibition of the photographs of previous workshops to the children
Activities of the workshop:
1. Inaugural session: Professor Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh; Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Principal, Beershreshtha Munshi Abdur Rauf Rifiles College, BDR Headquarter, Peelkhana, Dhaka addressed the students and declared the workshop open. Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman presented a painting of a student to Professor Islam for WTB.
2. Exhibition - Environment and Threatened species (Hoolock Gibbon, Bengal Tiger) in arts: An art exhibition was organized there. Tigers, hoolocks in arts were presented at the workshop site. The students of different classes came up with their own creative ideas in colour.
3. Know each other: Registration: Participants introduced themselves through an interesting activity. The participants were given a blank paper and asked to put their name, class, age and to draw their favourite animal’s picture, name and requested to clarify what they had drawn, why they liked the animal. All the participants enjoyed much to draw their favourite animals. Some were came up with colorful pictures of their favourite animals. Among the participants, drew butterfly, 5 fish, 3 birds, 1 elephant, 2 zebra, 2 tiger and 1 rat.
4. Thinking about the living world, story of life: The workshop theme ‘We are here to save our forests, our tigers and our hoolocks’ was explained to all the participants by Professor Md. Anwarul Islam. All the participants got to know how the living world care for us, what the role of plants-animals around us and our close interaction with each and every element of our Mother Nature. At this event, Professor Islam discussed the role of us to conserve our forests and the threatened species. This discussion with the students was interesting and they responded enthusiastically. At the end of the event he called
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 45 for an essay writing competition for all the participants on this living world and what they feel for our forests, threatened species and their conservation needs.
5. Workshop-theme: The workshop theme was explained to all by Gawsia and all of them got a pen, clay-bell, candy and ‘Hoolock gibbon education packet’ developed by Zoo Outreach Organization, India. At the end they were requested to ring their bell. They got to realize that it was an alarm call to raise awareness among us for sustainable conservation of our forests, threatened species and other natural resources of Bangladesh for a better future.
6. Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh: The objective of this activity was to make the participants understand about Hoolock Gibbon, how Hoolock is involved in our forest ecosystem, its conservation need. All the participants got a paper of information on Hoolock Gibbon, they were requested to read the information loudly. This is the most interactive participatory learning method. Shahriar and Gawsia conducted it.
7. Resource round up “Tiger—Tiger—What man”: The resource round up was an eco-game which is flexible to play for any threatened species and designed to understand, to dramatize the crucial link between environment, human population and species endangerment. This was an active learning method, which involved all the participants. Participants formed a ring, which symbolized our Sundarbans. Then they took part in a game to dramatize how human interference increasingly destroyed the tiger population in the greater part of the country and now in the Sundarbans. It was conducted by Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury. At the end they were requested to ring their bell (token gift provided to them by WTB). They got to realize that this is an alarming ring, call to raise awareness among us for sustainable conservation of our forests, threatened species Students took part in a game to dramatize how and other natural resources of Bangladesh for a better human interference increasingly destroyed the tiger future. population in the greater part of the country and now in the Sundarbans. 8. Pledge from the participants: At the end of the Resource round up event, all the participants were asked to raise their voice to save the Sundarbans and the Bengal Tiger by saying “Save-save-save the Sundarbans, Save-save-save the tiger”. In another pledge, they said that they would save the tiger and the hoolock habitats and help the tigers and hoolocks for their better survival.
9. Valedictory- Photograph exhibition: The workshop ended by showing photographs of some previous workshops to the participants. By looking at some of the photographs participants were immensely excited and inspired. The participants had a wonderful time. About another 100 students were watching all the activities. Students wearing hoolock masks, holding placards and raising an alarm call by ringing the bell
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 46 Education Programme on ‘People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all’ to observe the World Environment Day, 5 June, Dhaka Zoo, Bangladesh
Background: An Active Learning Workshop titled ‘People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all’ was held at Dhaka Zoo on Monday, 5 June 2006 from 1000-1200 AM for the students of selected schools. The workshop was jointly organized by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and Dhaka Zoo to celebrate the World Environment Day 2006. Bangladesh is one of the four countries of the world where the Hoolock Gibbon (ULLUK), a globally threatened species, is still surviving.
Education and public awareness for threatened species conservation would be more effective when it will start from the school children and it is an urgent need for the nation to develop our future generation as Conservationists. Keeping this in mind, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) organised an Active Learning Workshops for students (3-7 standard) called ‘People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all’. The substance of the workshop is awareness building using the ‘active learning’ method. This method helped children to learn better and retain what they have learned by taking them through interactive lessons with art competition, creative activities, games, rally, tree plantation and other mechanisms.
The workshop themed on Hoolock Gibbons (Hoolock hoolock). The Conservation Assessment Management Plan Students of Dhaka city taking part in drawing competition organised by WTB, Dhaka (CAMP) assessed this species as Critically Endangered in Bangladesh and Endangered in India using the Regional and National Guidelines of the IUCN Red List.
Hoolock Gibbon is a tree dwelling tailless monkey and one of the nine lesser apes of the world. It has long limbs with elongated index fingers. Male is black with white brows that turn up at the end. Female is yellowish gray with a whitish eyebrow, white ring around eyes and muzzles and black fringe on the fingers, toes and hands. Infant has grayish-white fur, which turns to black in juvenile stage. Black coat fades to yellowish gray with puberty in female. They live in small family groups each defending a particular Hoolock Gibbon Education Programme at Dhaka play way teaching method territory to feed and sleep together.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 47 The family size is 2-5 consisting of a mating pair and 1-3 offspring. They defend their territories against intruders through regular loud morning calls (hoo-u, hoo-yu, hoo-koo-u etc.).
Hoolocks prefers middle to top canopy of tropical semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, subtropical broad-leaved hill forest and mixed-evergreen forest. In Bangladesh, hoolock occurs in the small fragmented forests of Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong and the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Apart from Bangladesh, hoolock also occurs in India, Myanmar and Southern China. Hoolock is a tourist attraction in forests like Lawachara National Park and Satchari Reserve Forest. ‘Ulluk’, the Bengali for Hoolock, is a term that means an uncouth or stupid fellow. Besides, hoolock may be used in biomedical research. Hoolock gibbon acts as a pollinating agent and disperses seeds withing its home range as it feeds and defecates. It drops food materials to the forest floor on which herbivores and other small animals feed.
Objective: This active learning training workshop for threatened species conservation is an initiative or responsibility we have to future generations- a responsibility, which is being increasingly recognized and finds its expression in course of time. The objective of the workshop was to make the school children aware of the precariousness of Hoolock Gibbon and stress upon the importance of its conservation. The programme also aims to train and develop creativity in trainees by making them prepare and to get trainees to cooperate and become involved in arts, eco-games, tree plantation and discussions.
Organizers: The workshop was jointly organized by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and Dhaka Zoo.
Educational Materials Sponsored: Zoo Outreach Organisation through Great Ape Conservation Fund of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA
Participants: A total of 33 school children of 3-7 standard (age ranges from 6-13 years) attended the workshops from selected schools.
Venue: Active Learning Workshop titled ‘People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all’ to observe the World Environment Day was conducted at Dhaka Zoo, in front of the cage of the Hoolock Gibbon.
Guests: Parents of the students, their teachers were present. Among others former DG, Dept. of Livestock, Mr Abdur Razzaque; Professor Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh; Curator, Dhaka Zoo Mr Kazi Fazlul Haque; nature lover and WTB Trustee Wing Commander (rtd) Enam Ul Haque were present as resource persons.
Agenda: The agenda of the workshop was basically designed to celebrate the World Environment Day 2006. The purpose of the workshop was to make the school children aware of the precariousness of Hoolock Gibbon and stress upon the importance of its conservation. The two hour long workshop included Art Competition, Introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh, Taxonomic shuffle- hoolock’s classification and an eco-game termed Resource Round Up-“Hoolock-hoolock....what man!” keeping Hoolock Gibbon as the central character. The workshop was conducted by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and the participants of similar workshops organized by the same Trust. The workshop ended by awarding prizes to the best participants, tree plantation and by holding a
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 48 rally from the cage of the Hoolock Gibbon to the Dhaka Zoo. As it was rained most of the time, some planned activities we couldn’t practice but the children have enjoyed much.
Activities of the workshop:
1. Workshop-theme: The workshop theme ‘Hoolock Gibbons and Environment’ was explained to all the participants by Professor Md. Anwarul Islam. All the participants got a ‘Hoolock gibbon education packet’ developed by Zoo Outreach Organization, India and ‘Hoolock poster’ .
2. Environment and Hoolock Gibbons in art: An art competition entitled “Our environment and the hoolock gibbons” was arranged. Participants were come up with their own creative ideas in colorful arts. Among all the 33 participants, 10 participants were selected for their wonderful arts and finally best 3 participants were selected for their extra ordinary arts.
3. Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh: The objective of this activity was to make the participants understand about Hoolock Gibbon, how Hoolock is involved in our forest ecosystem, its conservation need. All the participants got a paper of information on Hoolock Gibbon, they were requested to read the information loudly. This is the most interactive participatory learning method. The Hoolock classification was introduced to the participants by using HELP Manual, Unit 3 The Taxonomic Shuffle’s lesson 2 Classification Reference Diagram.
4. Resource round up “Hoolock-Hoolock——What man”: The resource round up was an eco- game designed to understand to dramatize the crucial link between environment, human population and species endangerment. This was an active learning method, which involved all the participants.
5. Recommendation from the participants, Pledge: At the end of the Resource round up event, all the participants were asked to raise their voice to hoolock conservation. They said that they will save the hoolock habitat and they will help the hoolocks for their survival.
6. Rally and Tree Plantation: A rally from the cage of Hoolock Gibbon was arranged, all the children participated the rally with slogan “Plant, plant, plant trees...Save, save, save environment”. Extreme beneficial ‘Neem’ (Azadirchata indica) seedlings were planted. Children were enthusiastically planted their seedlings. They were committed to visit zoo again and again to observe the growth of the plants, planted by them.
7. Valedictory- Prize distribution: The workshop ended by awarding prizes to the best participants Shejuti Pal Rimi, Eftekhar Mahmud and Sraboni Karmokar. ‘Hoolock-Poster’ prepared by local experts were distributed among all the participants.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 49 Annexure 8c Press reports
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 50 The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 257 Page 1 of 2
Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW Vol. 5 Num 257 Tue. February 15, 2005 Metropolitan
Experts call for protecting endangered wildlife UNB, Dhaka
Experts, ecologists and conservationists made a call for protecting endangered wildlife to maintain biodiversity in Bangladesh.
Some 70 experts from home and abroad gathered at a five-day workshop on 'Population and Habitat Viability Assessment of Hoolock Gibbon' that began in the city yesterday.
The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Forest Department and Zoo Outreach Organisation, in collaboration with several institutions, have organised the workshop at the BIAM auditorium.
Law Minister Moudud Ahmed inaugurated the workshop chaired by Enayetullah Khan, chairman of the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh. Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Siddiqui and Allen Fleming, office chief, EGFE, USAID, also spoke.
Moudud Ahmed said the government is committed to taking necessary steps to protect and protect the biological diversity from probable damage.
"Our government takes the issue of biodiversity with a great interest and already have taken massive efforts, including tree-planting programme across the country," he said.
Emphasising the importance of preserving biodiversity, the minister said people must be aware of the environment to ensure prevention of natural calamity. "We should work together to make the people conscious to resist the destruction of the wildlife."
Dr Kamal Siddiqui said that the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh is preparing to publish an Encyclopaedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh that would be the first comprehensive reference book on the biodiversity of the country.
"It will help establish sovereign right of the nation on its biological resources and consequently may help fight biopiracy," said Dr Siddiqui.
Enayetullah Khan said accelerating loss of species and increasing destruction of natural habitats together constitute perhaps the direct threat ever to the environment and human welfare.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 51 The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 257 Page 2 of 2
Expressing concern over the eventual manmade destruction of natural resources, he said the earth stands to lose not only the biological diversity but also the basic services that keep the planet alive: atmospheric composition, climate control, soil, generation, nutrient cycling and decomposition of waste and organic matter.
He noted that hoolock gibbon has been rated as critically endangered in the country.
Gibbons are tail-less monkeys, or apes, like chimpanzees and gorillas. South Asia has only one ape, hoolock gibbon (Bunopithecus Hoolock).
Bangladesh had a wide distribution of the species, and even in the early 1990s, the population was close to 3,000. Over the last two decades, a continuous destruction has been going on, leaving hoolock population emaciated to about 200.
The workshop is supported by US Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Ape Conservation Fund, Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation Primate Action Fund, Conservation International, Twycross Zoo-East Midlands Zoological Society and Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust, the Netherlands.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 52 Welcome to Dhaka Courier Online Page 1 of 1
Hoolock Gibbons and the environment
By Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury
We have still time to conserve, to save vast numbers of our magnificent animals, to preserve our wonderful nature and natural resources now headed toward oblivion. However, this can happen only if people, especially our young generation, are educated to care about the living world around us. Keeping this in mind, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) organized a unique active learning programme for school children called 'People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all' to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, 2006. Bangladesh is one of the four countries of the world where the Hoolock Gibbons (Hoolock hoolock), a globally threatened species, locally known as Ulluk, is still surviving. The purpose of the workshop was to make the school children aware of the precarious conditions of Hoolock Gibbon and stress the importance of its conservation. The three-hour long programme included Introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh, Taxonomic shuffle - hoolock's classification, art competition and a game termed "Hoolock…..Hoolock!!…..What Man??", keeping Hoolock Gibbon as the central character. The programme was jointly organized by the Dhaka Zoo and conducted by the participation of similar workshops organized by the same Trust. The workshop concluded through an award of prizes to the best participants, tree plantation programme and holding of a rally from the cage of the Hoolock Gibbon. All the participants got Hoolock Gibbon Education Tool Kit prepared by Zoo Outreach Organization, India. The Hoolock arts of Shejuti Pala Rimi, Eftekhar Mahmud and Sraboni Karmaker qualified as the best. Among others, Abdur Razzaque, former director general, Department of Livestock; Professor Md. Anwarul Islam, chief executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh; Kazi Fazlul Haque, curator, Dhaka Zoo; and Enam Ul Haque, nature lover, ornithologist and Trustee Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, were present as resource persons. Education on threatened species conservation is basically dependent on a raising of awareness among young people. As such, there is an urgent need for the nation to instruct the future generation on the necessity of its role as conservationists.
The writer is associated with Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh TOP
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 53 Financial Express Page 1 of 1
VOL NO REGD NO DA 1589 Tuesday, June 06, 2006 HEADLINE Archive Site Search POLITICS & POLICIES METRO & COUNTRY METRO/COUNTRY Workshop on Hoolock Gibbon for school More Headline EDITORIAL children held PM urges all families to plant timber BOOK REVIEWS 6/6/2006 medicinal trees 'Infrastructure facilities still inadequa LETTER TO EDITOR An active learning workshop titled "People for households in northern region' COMPANIES & FINANCE Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all" was held at Dhaka Zoo in the WFP donates capacity building equip city Monday for the students of selected schools, reports to food ministry BUSINESS/FINANCE UNB. Workshop on Hoolock Gibbon for sch Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and Dhaka Zoo jointly LEISURE & Noted artists are seen on ENTERTAINMENT organised the workshop, marking the World Environment the Lux-Channel i Super Day 2006. MARKET & COMMODITIES The purpose of the workshop was to make the school Tk 710m for road, drain construction SPORTS children aware of the precariousness of Hoolock Gibbon's Mother commits suicide after killing position and stress upon the importance of its 1,346 arrested in police drive in 24 h WORLD conservation. World Environment Day being obser The two-hour workshop included making concept maps, Transport workers erect roadblock to collection FE Specials introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh, Taxonomic shuffle-Hoolocks classification, art competition and a Journalist Faiz admitted to hospital Nurul Huda joins CPA congress in Lo Focus on Real Estate game termed Resource Round-up keeping Hoolock URBAN PROPERTY Gibbons as the central character. The workshop ended with the award of prizes to the best FE Education participants, tree plantation and bringing out a Special on Logistics procession from the cage of the Hoolock Gibbon to the main office of the Zoo. NATIONAL DAY OF EGYPT Gawsia Wahidunnesa Chowdhury conducted the Saturday Feature workshop. Among others, former DG of Livestock Department Abdur Razzaque, Chief Executive of Wildlife Asia/South Asia Trust of Bangladesh M Anwarul Islam, Curator of Dhaka Zoo Kazi Fazlul Huq and ornithologist Enamul Huq were present as resource persons. Feature 13th SAARC SUMMIT DHAKA-2005 INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 04 JULY, 2006 57th Republic Day of India
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Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 54 Experts and activists urges all to protect wildlife for maintaining Bangladesh's biodiversity
Published On: February 15, 2005
Dhaka, Feb 14: Experts, ecologists and conservationists from home and abroad on Monday made a call for protecting endangered wildlife to maintain biodiversity in Bangladesh.
According to a news from United News of Bangladesh, some 70 experts, 30 from abroad, began a five- day deliberation in Dhaka at a workshop on Population and Habitat Viability Assessment of Hoolock Gibbon.
The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Forest Department and Zoo Outreach Organisation, in collaboration with several institutions, have organized the workshop at the BIAM auditorium.
The workshop is supported by US Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Ape Conservation Fund, Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation Primate Action Fund, Conservation International, Twycross Zoo–East Midlands Zoological Society and Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust, the Netherlands.
They are supporting the meet in collaboration with CBSG, South Asia and RSG, South and South Asia, Wildlife Information Liaison Development WILD Society, IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and Wildlife Information Network.
Law Minister Barrister Moudud Ahmed inaugurated the workshop chaired by Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Siddiqui and Allen Fleming, office chief, EGFE, USAID, spoke in the opening session.
Moudud Ahmed said the government is committed to taking necessary step to protect and preserve the biological diversity from probable damage.
“Our government takes the issue of biodiversity with a great interest and already have taken massive efforts, including tree-planting programme across the country,” he told the meet.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity, the minister said people must be aware of the environment to ensure prevention of natural calamity. “We should work together to make the people conscious to resist the destruction of the wildlife.”
Enayetullah Khan said accelerating loss of species and increasing destruction of natural habitats together constitute perhaps the direct threat ever to the environment and human welfare.
Expressing concern over the eventual manmade destruction of natural resources, he said the earth stands to lose not only the biological diversity but also the basic services that keep the planet alive: atmospheric composition, climate control, soil, generation, nutrient cycling and decomposition of waste and organic matter.
“Unless we show respect to other life forms, who have equal rights to survive on this earth, our survival is also at peril,” Khan said.
He noted that Hoolock Gibbon has been rated as critically endangered in the country. Not only the Hoolock Gibbon but the number of species for threatened or endangered listing continues to rise at an alarming rate.
He urged all to decide whether “we want to share the earth with other life forms and how”.
Dr Kamal Siddiqui said that the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh is preparing to publish an Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh that would be the first comprehensive reference book on the biodiversity of the country.
“It will help in establishing sovereign right of the nation on its biological resources and consequently may help fight biopiracy,” said Dr Siddiqui.
Gibbons are tail-less monkeys, or apes, like chimpanzees and gorillas. South Asia has only one ape, Hoolock Gibbon (Bunopithecus Hoolock).
Bangladesh had a wide distribution of the species, and even in the early 1990s, the population was close to 3,000. Over the last two decades a continuous destruction has been going on, leaving Hoolock population emaciated to about 200 individuals. Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 55 © The Bangladesh Journal .:: THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER - Net Edition ::.
Wednesday, June, 07, 2006 Inside Observer City News Home Front Page Editorial Economic News City News Workshop held National News Foreign News District News A workshop titled 'People for Hoolocks, Hoolocks for all' was held on IT News Tuesday at Dhaka Zoo for the students of selected schools, reports BSS. Sports News Entertainment The workshop was jointly organized by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh Letters to the Editor and Dhaka Zoo to mark the World Environment Day, said a press release. Write to Editor Others Bangladesh is one of the four countries of the world where the Hoolock Photo Gallery Gibbon (ULLUK), a globally threatened species, is still surviving. Feature Supplement The purpose of the workshop was to make the school children aware of About Us Advertisement the precariousness of Hoolock Gibbon and stress upon the importance of Contact Us its conservation. The workshop included making concept maps, introducing Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh, Taxonomic shuffle- Weeklies hoolock's classification, art competition and a game termed resource round up keeping Hoolock Gibbon as the central character.
The workshop was conducted by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh.
Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury coordinated the workshop Observer Archive Among Others, former DG, Dept. of Livestock, Mr. Abdur Razzaque, Prof Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Curator, Dhaka Zoo Mr. Kazi Fazlul Haque, Nature Lover and Ornithologist Wing Commander (rtd) Enam Ul Haque were present.
. Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 56 Metro
Dynamic Daring Daily
Pages Main Page « Front Page « Business « Workshop on Hoolocks i International « Sports « National « Gibbons begins Monday Editorial « UNITED NEWS OF BANGLADESH, Dhaka Op-Ed « A five-day international workshop on Hoolock Gibbon, a Home « species of small arboreal apes more commonly known as Timeout « ‘ulluk’, will begin at the Bangladesh Institute of Letters « Administration and Management on Monday. The minister for law, Moudud Ahmed, will open the workshop as chief guest. The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh chairman, Enayetullah Khan, will preside at the programme. The principal secretary to the PMO, Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, and the office chief of EGFE/USAID in Dhaka, Allen Fleming, will be present as special guests. The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Forest Department and the Zoo Outreach Organisation have jointly organised the workshop. The workshop will be supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Ape Conservation Fund, Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation’s Primate Action Fund, Conservation International, Twycross Zoo, East Midlands Zoological Society and the Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust of the Netherlands. They are supporting the workshop in collaboration with the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, South Asia and Re- introduction Specialist Group, South and South Asia, Wildlife Information Liaison Development, WILD Society, Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Wildlife Information Network. ‘The output of the workshop will be large-scale promotion of Hoolock Gibbon, scientifically based recommendations for improvement of their habitat, protection of the population and an establishment of network among key stakeholders for long-term collaboration’, said a Wild Life Trust news release. Seventy experts, including 30 from abroad, will join the workshop.
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 57 Highlights of the Population and Habitat Viability Assessment for Western Hoolock Gibbon (Bunopithecus hoolock hoolock) held in Bangladesh Sally Walker
Western Hoolock Gibbon (Bunopithecus hoolock with the computer model to convert biological, ecological hoolock) was assessed as Critically Endangered in and environmental information into figures which can be Bangladesh and Endangered in India in the 2002 used in the model, there are wildlife researchers and Conservation Assessment and Management Plan managers, foresters, educators, legislation and policy- Workshop, organised collaboratively by Zoo Outreach makers and others from the area or region of the species. Organisation, CBSG, South Asia and Primate Specialist Involving a range of stakeholders improves the Group, Asia Subgroup, held in India at the State Forest conservation decision-making process with local Service College, Coimbatore. ownership of recommendations developed and presented by workshop participants. Hoolock Gibbon is South Asia's only gibbon species and as such it's the only ape, besides human beings; it is The workshop process generates extinction risk restricted in distribution to Northeastern India and assessments based upon in-depth analysis of Bangladesh. It is therefore quite a unique and special information on the life history, population dynamics, animal which both countries treasure, or should do. The ecology, and history of the populations. Previous to the Bangladesh population having been assessed as workshop, information on demography, genetics, and Critically Endangered was felt to have the least options environmental factors pertinent to assessing population and least time for effective action, hence the decision to status and risk of extinction under current management hold the workshop in Bangladesh. Fifty-three scenarios and threats, is gathered and made available to participants, including many primate experts from participants during the workshop. Bangladesh, India and the United States attended the workshop from 14-18 February 2005 at Bangladesh The following is a very brief overview of some highlights of Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM) to the PHVA for Hoolock Gibbon and its follow-up work by a assess in detail the current status of Western Hoolock captive management specialist. Gibbon throughout its range. Organisers and collaborators were Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, the Highlights of the workshop output Forest Department of Bangladesh, Zoo Outreach The Modeling Group found that more than 60% of the Organisation, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, populations in both India and Bangladesh were in South Asia and Primate Specialist Group, South Asia. immediate threat of extinction with the time to extinction from 20 – 40 years. The PVA could be done very The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Ape Fund, which successfully because the information that was provided has been funding field studies both in Bangladesh and from both India and Bangladesh was not just sufficient India, kindly agreed to fund the the workshop including but outstanding. Dr. Dilip Chetry representing international travel for participants from India and a northeastern India and Dr. M. M. Feroz representing generous education component for follow up. The Bangladesh presented overviews of the Hoolock Gibbon Primate Action Fund and Appenheul Primate Park covered populations and of research carried out both before and the costs of Phil Miller, Sr. Programme Officer of CBSG after the 2002 CAMP. and an expert in VORTEX and CBSG process tools. Twycross Zoo covered the costs of Alan Mootnick, of the There is still work to be done in the area of research such California based Gibbon Conservation Centre, who is an as on the border areas between India and Bangladesh expert on gibbon taxonomy and captive management. and India and Myanmar, which needs to be surveyed. In Other organisations may contribute to the extensive addition, the largest population and largest range locality education and lobbying follow-up of this important in Bangladesh needs to be resurveyed following the workshop. recent completion of a gas pipeline project and the daily presence of individuals guarding the project. A Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) is a workshop process developed by late Dr. U. S. Seal and Also, as it was noted that 8 populations in Bangladesh Dr. Tom Foose of the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding having become extinct in the last few years, the causes of Specialist Group some years ago, using a Population extinction are only generally known. A systematic study of Viability Assessment (PVA) computer simulation model each locality to determine the exact causes of extinction called VORTEX developed by Dr. Bob Lacy, now Chairman would be valuable information for somehow preserving of CBSG, and incorporating a variety of social elements some of the others. with mathematical components. The PHVA process is an evolving methodology which is under almost continuous It is fairly obvious that the only hope for some of the review. remaining very small populations is translocation to larger areas, of which there are very very few. Capture for An important component of the process is stakeholder captive breeding and reintroduction was overwhelmingly participation, so in addition to an expert team which works rejected as an option for Bangladesh by the workshop
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Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 58 due to the fragility of the species, the difficulties inherent 6. Habitat loss / destruction clearly is the most important factor in reintroduction and the dearth of secure localities even for decline of Hoolock Gibbon; therefore a firm commitment from for translocation. Habitat loss accounts for most of the politicians and policy makers for wildlife habitat protection is threats to Hoolock Gibbon. Without addressing that very urgently required. seriously, the species may not survive another half century. 7. To minimize habitat loss, community based eco-development programmes should be developed in order to generate alternative The Population and Habitat Viability Assessment helped livelihood to check illegal activities in and around Hoolock habitat. participants to better organize their knowledge and come 8. No further Hoolock Gibbons should be captured from the wild out with scientifically based recommendations. The for zoos or captive breeding centres; zoos should focus their information on which these decisions are made is the conservation efforts on education, research and a cooperative most current and best available to date with breeding programme within the zoos currently holding Hoolock recommendations are designed to minimize the risk of Gibbon. extinction of the species. A Draft Report is almost complete which will be circulated to all participants for 9. Government should create a mechanism for permitting zoo comment and then brought out as a published Report. staff and other researchers who have acquired training, This detailed Report supporting the recommendations experience, expertise and interest in the care and management and describing a methodology for implementing them will of Hoolock Gibbon to take their promotions and remain in the zoo. be distributed to policy makers, politicians and other stakeholders in Bangladesh and India. A systematic and 10. The education system and teaching capacity in rural and sustained follow-up for both India and Bangladesh is to urban areas needs to be improved. This can be achieved by be driven by Zoo Outreach Organisation in India and national level training for teachers and by including conservation Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh in Bangladesh. Draft topics in the curriculum and in informal education. Recommendations follow. It is to be noted that these are in draft and are the version which was created for 11. Much of the decline of Hoolock Gibbon in its range is due to the poverty of local people who are forced to depend on the submission to the press. forest for their livelihood. The workshop recommends that the socio-economic as well as educational status of the people be Draft Recommendations of the PHVA Workshop improved. for Western Hoolock Gibbon 12. An attitudinal change towards conservation in politicians and 1. In India, the Hoolock Gibbon is highly threateded due to habitat general public can be created by sensitizing village-level eco- loss but been neglected compared to large mammals of the development committees and stakeholders about Hoolock Gibbon, country. The workshop recommends submission of a and networking specialists, policymakers and law enforcement Memorandum to the Ministry of Environment, Government of India to join in dissemination of information. Use of celebrities as and all the concerned state authorities requesting development of ambassadors also will be effective. a "Project Gibbon" along the lines of Project Tiger for the long term conservation of gibbons. 13. Zoo education should be given much more importance and attention with provision of printed material, attractive and 2. Habitat loss is the primary reason for decline of Hoolock effective signage, trained educators and a variety of organized Gibbon in Bangladesh with 8 populations having become extinct activities. Zoos can also establish outreach programmes to in the last 15 years. This decline in habitat quality and quantity educate rural people in/near range of Hoolock Gibbons. must be arrested through multi-species plantations, checking illegal felling and other measures. 14. Make available species and habitat information for reference: formulate a database on Hoolock Gibbon for the web and create 3. Legislative support (currently being updated in Bangladesh) is educational tools for laypersons such as documentary films and urgently required for preventing illegal activities such as other material. poaching, encroachment, etc. Legislation can be effectively implemented through a coordinated approach, nurturing working 15. Motivate religious leaders/teachers to promote wildlife relationships with NGOs, academics, local communities, and conservation using their religious scriptures about wildlife and its policy makers, training and sensitizing legislative. conservation.
4. In Bangladesh, there are 22 known populations of Hoolock 16. Husbandry, management and enclosures of Hoolock Gibbon Gibbons, of which 18 have less than 10 animals. These are in zoos requires much improvement. The workshop isolated and fragmented small populations which cannot survive recommended a Management Plan for day to day care, a due to their size and pressure on their habitat. It is urgently Cooperative Breeding Programme, a detailed Husbandry Manual required to translocate these small populations to larger, viable of Hoolock Gibbon and a detailed assessment and habitats, unless the habitats for those groups can be improved recommendations on Hoolock Gibbon enclosures in both and protected. Bangladesh and India
5. In Bangladesh, continued monitoring the Hoolock habitat is crucial and requires the following: more wildlife posts for patrolling, specific training for management in scientific monitoring methodology, and improved infrastructure.
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Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 59 Report on Zoo Husbandry Workshop on Hoolock Gibbon at Dhaka Zoo Rengasamy Marimuthu and Sally Walker
On 19 February 2005, following a Population and Habitat Viability Health check: The health of captive animals has to be monitored Assessment (PHVA) Workshop on Hoolock Gibbons held in continuously. Dhaka, Bangladesh, Alan Mootnick, Founder and Director of the Gibbon Conservation Center, Santa Clarita, California inspected Housing: A large area with numerous branches and vertical the facilities at the Dhaka Zoo and gave a seminar on captive ropes spaced far enough apart and at various heights will allow management of hoolock gibbons. the gibbons to utilize the entire enclosure, and is more suitable for Hoolock gibbons. The outdoor enclosure needs approximately 1/3 Alan has been studying captive gibbons almost exclusively for of the roof to have sheet metal attached to protect the gibbons the last 29 years and has specialized in gibbon taxonomy and in from the weather. Gibbons are monogamous. Housing two gibbon behaviour. His facility in California is devoted to housing adults of the same sex with another adult of the opposite sex and propagation of all four genera of gibbons. Contact or learn should not be done in one enclosure. more about Alan, his centre and gibbons at gibboncenter@ earthlink.net and www.gibboncenter.org
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Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 60 He stressed the importance of removing left-over food items in the seems serious, take a sample and send it to a laboratory for evening so the gibbons would not eat spoiled food the next diagnosis. It may be from bacteria or fungus. morning, and to reduce the incidence of rats and other vermin from being attracted to the enclosure. If there are rats, the zoo Island enclosure: (This is specifically about the large, as yet should set traps and remove the rats or squirrels and then clean unoccupied island in the Dhaka Zoo). This is an excellent the traps with bleach. Food should be fed on a clean surface a enclosure to transfer the gibbons to, but in all island enclosures minimum of 3 feet above the ground. certain aspects should be considered :
Diet : Epil-Epil leaves belong to the leguminacea family and has — the gibbons may destroy some of the vegetation on the island. high protein in its root nodules. This is very close to the leaves they eat in the wild and small amounts should be given daily. Food — a large enclosure should be kept in the island and feeding their items should be placed in different areas of the enclosure so that daily ration should be done in the enclosure. This also trains the the dominate gibbon can’t take over the feeding area and prevent gibbons to come in for checking their health condition and other other gibbons from eating. Nuts of all kinds except peanuts or procedures. The enclosure should have a sliding door to assist in groundnuts are a good source of protein. Sunflower seeds are locking. Before release, the gibbons should be housed and fed in also good and will provide enrichment for the gibbons as they the enclosure for some time before released on the island. Then have to pick them up individually to eat them. Citrus fruits cause the gibbons will routinely return to the enclosure for feeding after diahorrea and this should be avoided. release on the island.
Cage cleaning : The cage should be cleaned thoroughly twice -- The water in the surrounding lake should be tested at least once day. One cleaning could be wet cleaning with water and cleaning a year to check the quality of water for bacteria or protozoans. solution, and another may be dry sweeping. On the island provide two clean drinking areas. A small railing along the edge of the island, in case a gibbon falls in the water Log Book: A log book on feeding should be maintained which and a small electric fence to prohibit the gibbons from drinking the would record what was offered and what was actually water surrounding the island, in case that water is contaminated. consumed. When monitoring the enclosure, this log book makes it You should also check if there are any Monitor Lizards in the lake. possible to give a clear report on whether all of the food has been It will pose a greater problem to the gibbons. eaten. If all the food has been eaten, it indicates that the quantity is correct for the gibbons. If a portion of the food is left, it means Fecal Analysis: It should be done at least once every three the amount is too much and can be reduced. If the food is months for ova and parasite and fecal culture. There is a consumed too quickly then additional food needs to be added. transport medium which is made by Meridian company, which has a preservative in it and the preservation time is up to 96 hours. It is Diet in pregnancy : When gibbons are pregnant they need to be very difficult to get rid of parasites and bacteria, and are easily supplied with a balanced diet, such as ficus, fruits, or leaves as transmitted through rodents. this is similar to what they eat in the wild. Before giving the ficus leaves, clean and wash them to make sure that they are free of Stress: Stress may create aggression, which may come from pesticides or other noxious matters on them. The good proportion visitors, dogs, loud noises, fast moving vehicles, etc. Stress can is 15% ficus leaves and 5% ficus fruits. cause abortion, and folic acid assists in reducing the incidence of abortion. When changing the diet, care should be taken as this sometimes causes diahorrea. Grapes, tomato, orange, pineapple, melon, Viruses: The following viruses can affect mango, and jack fruit can cause diahorrea and should be given in gibbons. They are TB, Herpes simplex very small quantities if at all. Cauliflower is a better source of virus, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. vitamin C for gibbons than fruits such as oranges due to the acidic People handling the animals should properties of the latter. The cauliflower should be steamed or get vaccinated for Hepatitis B, and boiled as raw vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, etc. is gas tested for the others. Gibbons producing. Gibbons are particularly fond of long beans and can should be vaccinated in the following be given one per day. Sapotella and guava are also good fruits ways if their cage mate has positive which can be given in good proportion. antigen for Hepatitis B : Day 1, Day-30 and 5 months later for In the diet of gibbons and any animals, zoo mangers should avoid Hepatitis B. Herpes simplex overfeeding that could make the animals put over weight. White virus: is one of the more bread, for example, should be given in very small quantities if at harmful viruses to gibbons. If all, as it will cause excess weight. infected, the gibbon with this virus could die within 4-5 days Gibbons have a very sensitive digestive system and is one of the under extreme stress. The very delicate primates. Even Gorillas, another delicate primate, virus can be transmitted to the eat, defecate and sleep in the same place, unlike gibbons who will gibbons from humans passing eat and sleep in the same place but will not defecate in the same their saliva to the gibbons by place. spitting or giving the gibbons food that a human ate. Skin Problems: If there is a skin problem, provide proper amount of zinc, water soluble vitamin E and vitamin A every other day. Fish oil also can be given in amounts of 2 to 3 drops per day per individual mixed with the food. If a skin problem persists and ZOOS' PRINT, Volume XX, Number 4, April 2005 (RNI 6:7) 5
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 61 Annexure 8d Photos
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 62 PHVA Inaguration. L - R: Enayetullah Khan, chairman of the WTB; Law Minister Moudud Ahmed; Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Kamal Siddiqui, Phil Miller, CBSG and Sally Walker.
Sally Walker delivering the objectives of the workshop during the inaugural function
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 63 Participants of the PHVA
Dignatories tieing rakhi during inaugural
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 64 Captive Management Working group
Distribution and Habitat of Hoolock Gibbon in Bangladesh-working Group
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 65 Political and Public Awareness Working group
Wild Population Working group
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 66 Distribution and Habitat of Hoolock Gibbon in India-working Group
Modeling working Group
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 67 Phil Miller in PHVA workshop
Sally Walker and Alan Mootnick inspecting the proposed hoolock gibbon island at the zoo
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 68 Phil Miller talks on demography
Participants prioratizing recommendations
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 69 Wild Population Management Working Group
Group Photo
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 70 PHVA participants wearing hoolock mask
Working Groups voting to priotise reccomendations
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 71 Dhaka zoo curator and other staffs with Alan Mootnick
Phil Miller at the Hoolock Gibbon Husbandry workshop
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 72 Hoolock mother with its new born baby at Dhaka Zoo
PHVA participants visit to Dhaka Zoo
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 73 Alan Mootnick examinig the Gibbon at Dhaka zoo
Alan Mootnick conducts one day Hoolock Gibbon husbandry workshop at the Dhaka zoo for Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Dulahazara Safari Park staff
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 74 Indian primatologists attending T4T course at Dhaka after the PHVA
Educators from India, Bangladesh and Nepal evaluating Hoolock Education Packets
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 76 Dhaka zoo curator at Hoolock Gibbon Education Programme
Studends of Dhaka city taking part in drawing competition organised by WTB, Dhaka
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 77 Hoolock Gibbon Education Programme at Dhaka zoo by WTB staff
Hoolock Gibbon Education Programme at Dhaka Play way teaching method
Report of the project titled "Conservation Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon" 78