Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

The only species of ape found in India, the endangered hoolock gibbon (Bunopithecus hoolock hoolock) occupies the rainforests of India’s northeast. Being a true arboreal species, the ape depends on the high forest canopy for its survival. Habitat destruction, fragmentation and alteration, and hunting have all been identified as threats to the species all along its distribution range, the primary one being loss of natural habitat. The Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jorhat district of Assam is the only protected area in India to be named after a primate species. The sanctuary, with an area of 20.98 hectare, is situated on the south bank of the Great Brahmaputra river system. Despite providing protection for seven species of primates, it was formed mainly for the conservation of the hoolock gibbon and also harbours plenty of diverse bird and mammal life.