Stress tests and drones: the new playbook to protect the endangered western hoolock gibbon
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Conservationists are proposing a new playbook using bio-acoustics and thermal drones to monitor stress levels and population health of the endangered western hoolock gibbon.
Background
The western hoolock gibbon is India's only non-human ape species. Its population has plummeted from an estimated 100,000 to less than 5,000 over the last half century due to habitat loss and deforestation.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentWestern hoolock gibbon: The only non-human ape species found in India.
- S&TBio-acoustics and thermal drones: Technologies being used to identify gibbons and assess stress levels.
- FactPopulation decline: Reduced from 100,000 to less than 5,000 over the last half century.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the role of technological interventions and community-led conservation in mitigating the impact of anthropogenic pressures on India's endangered primate species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Genetic bottleneck: Risk of inbreeding-induced population decline due to habitat fragmentation
- Technological monitoring: Use of bio-acoustics and thermal imaging for non-invasive stress assessment
- Anthropogenic pressure: Conflict between settled agriculture expansion and forest biodiversity
Keywords: Anthropogenic pressure · Habitat fragmentation · Bio-acoustics · Inbreeding depression · Community-led conservation
More Science & Technology notes
- Principal Scientific Advisor’s white paper says open access to AI infra key in India · 30 December 2025
- Remove obscene, pornographic content, IT Ministry tells social media platforms · 30 December 2025
- Defence Ministry inks ₹4,666 cr. contracts for battle carbines, torpedoes · 30 December 2025
- Watch: Model conduct: On India, AI use: The Hindu Editorial · 30 December 2025
- HAL’s Dhruv NG multi-role helicopter takes maiden flight in Bengaluru · 30 December 2025
- How the moon kicked Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module into a new orbit · 30 December 2025
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
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.