- The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has earmarked funds to construct canopy bridges for India’s only ape Hoolock Gibbon to move across a railway track bifurcating its prime habitat in eastern Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district.
- The sanctuary has the largest concentration of the Hoolock gibbon, one of 20 species of apes on earth.
- The Hoolock gibbon, a tailless ape known for its vocalisation, spends much of its time on the upper canopy of tall trees, mostly the hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus).
- IUCN red list categorises Hoolock Gibbons as Endangered.
- Canopy bridges inside the sanctuary to facilitate the movement of the gibbons across the track.
- These canopy bridges, designed by the WII in consultation with the NFR, will be constructed at identified points.
- The ends of the canopy bridges, as well as the knots, will be secured and clamped or tightened using appropriate and high-grade fastening materials and techniques.
- As a fail-safe mechanism, safety nets will be installed.
- Lianas and creepers can be guided along them to look natural. The gibbons did not use the artificial bridge but used the natural canopy in past experiences.
Dig Deeper: Find out protected areas in which Hoolock Gibbons are in prominent numbers.
