Environmentalists and nature lovers are worried about the decreasing number of Hoolock Gibbon at Barekuri region of Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district. Earlier, there were 37 Hoolock Gibbons at Barekuri but now the number has decreased to 23 only. Many of them died due to electrocution and also after falling from the trees.
The four villages of Barekuri – Digal Haku, Nau-motapung, Puroni-Motapung and Lesenga Tarazan – are home to 23 Hoolock Gibbons.
The youths of the villages are serious to conserve the endangered species. Some of the local youths have come forward for conservation of the endangered species.
On Friday a meeting was held at Digal Haku village where environmentalists, nature lovers and villagers participated to discuss on conservation of Hoolock Gibbons.
Forest conservator of upper Assam Dr Ranjan Kumar Das said, “Hoolock gibbons have been living in the Barekuri area for the past 25 years and suddenly their number has decreased which is a big concern. We have discussed strategies regarding the conservation of Hoolock Gibbons and how to increase their numbers. The youths of the village are doing everything to protect the species.”
“We will discuss with the government to allocate fund for the conservation of eco-tourism project in the area. We are thinking of home stay facilities in the villages because the tourists who come here to see Hoolock Gibbons will be able to know them better,” Das added.
“We will take up afforestation programme to link the villages to Bherjan forest that can increase the number of Hoolock Gibbons. We are going to launch a plantation drive in the area to conserve the gibbon which is facing a threat of being extinct,” Das further said.
Secretary of Green Bud Society Devojit Moran said, “Diplob Chutia, a local youth of the area has been working for the conservation of the Hoolock Gibbon in the area for past many years and he has been very serious about the conservation of the rare species.”