Northeast India's hoolock gibbon populations declined by 90% due to habitat fragmentation
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Habitat fragmentation and linear infrastructure impact on biodiversity: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
A report highlights a 90% decline in Northeast India's western and eastern hoolock gibbon populations caused by habitat fragmentation from roads and railways.
Background
The Hoollangapar Gibbon Sanctuary currently holds approximately 130 western hoolock gibbons out of an estimated total of 3,000-5,000. Aranyak has led conservation efforts since 1887 by planting trees to create canopy bridges over railway lines.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentHoolock gibbons are affected by habitat fragmentation from roads and railways in Northeast India
- PlaceHoollangapar Gibbon Sanctuary is a site for western hoolock gibbon conservation
- FactThe population of western hoolock gibbons in the sanctuary is approximately 130
- EnvironmentCanopy bridges are used to protect lion-tailed macaques, slow lorises, three-toed sloths, and giant Indian squirrels
Prelims practice question
Which sanctuary is a site for western hoolock gibbon conservation in Northeast India?
- (a)Namdapha National Park
- (b)Kaziranga National Park
- (c)Manas National Park
- (d)Hoollangapar Gibbon Sanctuary
Show answer
Answer: (d) Hoollangapar Gibbon Sanctuary — The note identifies Hoollangapar Gibbon Sanctuary as a site for western hoolock gibbon conservation.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the impact of linear infrastructure development on biodiversity in Northeast India and suggest measures to mitigate habitat fragmentation for arboreal species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Infrastructure-Biodiversity Conflict: Fragmentation of continuous forest canopies by railway and road networks
- Conservation Strategy: Effectiveness of canopy bridge corridors in maintaining genetic flow for arboreal mammals
Keywords: habitat fragmentation · biodiversity conservation · linear infrastructure · arboreal species · ecological corridors
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.