Difference between revisions of "Assam"

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<!-- INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SITE INFORMATION
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   3) To make information comparable across wiki pages, keywords must be taken from the list of permitted words, or added to the list of permitted keywords. This is why we use official lists, e.g., IUCN classification lists, in our tables.
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   2) Keyword format should not change, i.e. they are comma separated lists, not bullet points or numbered lists.  
 
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   3) Keywords must be taken from the list of permitted words, or added to the list of permitted keywords. A link to the keyword list page is found adjacent
 
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    rather than several keywords such as "Industrial mining", "Large-scale mining", and "Mining".  
 
 
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[[Asia]] > [[India]] > [[Assam]]
  
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[[Region]] > [[Country]] > [[Site]]
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= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with one sentence for each section. May include a site map -->
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<div style="float: right">
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= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with a one sentence overview of each of the following sections. can include a site map -->
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{{#display_map: height=200px | width=300px | scrollzoom=off | zoom=4 | layers=OpenTopoMap, OpenStreetMap
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|25.521581, 93.051847~[[Assam]]~Western hoolock gibbons
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}}
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</div>
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* Western hoolock gibbons (''Hoolock hoolock'') are present in Assam.
 +
* The population size is unknown.
 +
* The gibbon population trend is decreasing.
 +
* The site has a total size of 78,438 km².
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* Key threats to gibbons are habitat encroachment and illegal logging.
 +
* Conservation activities include education and awareness raising, and supporting communities near forests with alternative income sources such as beekeeping and mushroom cultivation.
  
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* Ape taxa present
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= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information -->
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* Ape population size
 
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* Ape population trend
 
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* This site has a total size of XX km².
 
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* Key threats to apes are ...
 
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* Additional information
 
  
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The state of Assam is located in northeast India and comprises two global biodiversity hotspots: the Indo-Burma and the Himalayan hotspots (Mazumder 2014). The region is a stronghold for 12 primate species: Bengal slow loris ''Nycticebus bengalensis'', Rhesus macaque ''Macaca mulatta'', Assamese macaque ''Macaca assamensis'', pig-tailed macaque ''Macaca leonina'', stump-tailed macaque ''Macaca arctoides'', Tibetan macaque ''Macaca thibetana'', white-cheeked macaque ''Macaca luecogenys'', capped langur ''Trachypithecus pileatus'', golden langur ''Trachypithecus geei'', Phayre’s langur ''Trachypithecus phayrei'', western hoolock gibbon ''Hoolock hoolock'', and eastern hoolock gibbon ''Hoolock leuconedys'' (Chetry et al. 2021).
  
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= Site characteristics =
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'''Table 1. Basic site information for Assam'''
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This section includes a paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, a brief history of the site and on animals and plants that are known to occur at the site.
 
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'''Table 1: Basic site information for XXXX'''
 
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="basic-information"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="basic-information"
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| Area             <!-- Please include units: km2/ha e.g 200ha   -->
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| Area <!-- Please include units: km2/ha e.g 200ha -->
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|
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|78,438 km²
 
|-
 
|-
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| Coordinates
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|Coordinates
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|
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|25.521581, 93.051847
 
|-
 
|-
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| Designation     <!-- National Park, Nature Reserve, etc.  -->
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|Designation
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|
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|Unclassified
 
|-
 
|-
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|Habitat types   <!-- List IUCN Habitat Classification 3.0 categories present (Without number), see link below -->
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|Habitat types <!-- List IUCN Habitat Classification 3.0 categories present (without number), see link below -->
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|
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|Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest
 
|}
 
|}
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[http://www.unitar.org/hiroshima/sites/unitar.org.hiroshima/files/Annex%201%20-%20IUCN%20Classification%20Schemes.pdf IUCN habitat categories]   [[Site designations]]
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[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/habitat-classification-scheme IUCN habitat categories] [[Site designations]]
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<br>
 
  
 +
= Ape status = <!--An overview of ape population status (population sizes, trends, etc.), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->
  
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In 2009, Chetry et al. (2012) recorded 33 gibbons in 10 groups based on direct sightings in the reserve forests of Hal logaon, Kukurmara, and Kundil Kalia (Chetry et al. 2021). In 2019, 17 individuals in seven groups in these three reserve forests were recorded, indicating a 48.5% population decline. The number of groups was also reduced from 26 (direct observations and call-count) in 2009 to 11 in 2019 (Chetry et al. 2021). In this time frame there was also a 18.75% increase in the proportion of adults to immatures, indicating reduced recruitment and population decline (Chetry et al. 2021).
  
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= Ape status =  <!-- a text overview of ape status (population sizes, trends etc), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->
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'''Table 2. Ape population estimates in Assam'''
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−
 
 
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This section includes a brief summary of the survey history, the most recent abundance estimate, date of the estimate, and, if available, the population trend (if explicitely stated in a report/paper).
 
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'''Table 2: Ape population estimates in XXXX'''
 
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="population-estimate-table"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="population-estimate-table"
 
! Species
 
! Species
 
! Year
 
! Year
−
! Abundance estimate (95% confidence interval)
+
! Total number indiv. (95% CI)
−
! Density estimate (per km²)
+
! Total number groups (95% CI)
−
! Encounter rate (nests/km)
+
! Density ​​[groups/km²​] (95% CI)
 
! Area
 
! Area
 
! Method
 
! Method
Line 72: Line 59:
 
! A.P.E.S. database ID
 
! A.P.E.S. database ID
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|''Hoolock hoolock''
 +
|2019
 +
|17
 +
|7
 
|
 
|
 +
|Sadiya subdivision, 789.95 km²
 +
|Line transects (Distance)
 +
|Chetry et al. 2019
 +
|Survey effort 98 km. Average group size was 2.42
 
|
 
|
 +
|-
 +
|''Hoolock hoolock''
 +
|2017-2018
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|
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|Upper Brahmaputra Valley, 9851 km²
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|
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|Unknown
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|
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|Sarma et al. 2021
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
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= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->
 
= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->
  
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Habitat encroachment and selective illegal logging represent the most severe threats to gibbons and other wildlife in Assam (Chetry et al. 2021).
  
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This sections describes threats at the site, particularly those relevant for apes and thereby provides context for the threats listed in the table below.
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'''Table 3. Threats to apes in Assam'''
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'''Table 3: Threats to apes in XXXX'''
 
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="threats-table"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="threats-table"
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!align="left"|Category <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
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!align="left"|Category <!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE THREAT CATEGORIES -->
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!Specific threats   <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
+
!Specific threats <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the IUCN list linked below -->
−
!Threat level       <!-- For threat level, please use keywords: unknown, low, high -->
+
!Threat level <!-- For threat level, please use keywords: low, medium, high, present, absent, unknown-->
−
!Quantified severity <!-- e.g., encounter rate, number of miners etc. (with reference)-->
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!Quantified severity <!-- Enter any available quantification of the threat, e.g., the proportion of the area affected by the threat, hunting sign encounter rates-->
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!Description         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
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!Description <!-- Add descriptive information -->
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!Year of threat     <!-- if ongoing or unknown add year of reference in brackets-->
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!Year of threat <!-- Enter specific year(s), “ongoing”, or “unknown”. If the threat is ongoing, please add the year of reference in parentheses -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|1. Residential & commercial development
 
|1. Residential & commercial development
 +
|1.1 Housing & urban areas
 +
|High
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Habitat encroachment due to development activities and expansion of human settlements (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
 
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
 +
|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
 +
|High
 
|
 
|
 +
|Encroachment due to expansion of land for agriculture, including ginger and orange cultivation (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Jhum cultivation (a slash-and-burn type of shifting cultivation) has devastated large forest covers through the creation of canopy gaps and depletion of food (Mazumder 2014).
 +
|Ongoing (2023)
 +
|-
 
|
 
|
 +
|2.3 Livestock farming & ranching
 +
|Present, but threat severity unknown
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Livestock grazing (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|3. Energy production & mining
 
|3. Energy production & mining
 +
|3.2 Mining & quarrying
 +
|Present, but threat severity unknown
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Coal mining (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|4. Transportation & service corridors
 
|4. Transportation & service corridors
 +
|4.1 Roads & railroads
 +
|High
 
|
 
|
−
|
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|Expansion of roads and railroads cause habitat fragmentation and further encroachment (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|5. Biological resource use
 
|5. Biological resource use
 +
|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
 +
|Present, but threat severity unknown
 
|
 
|
 +
|In certain places in southern Assam poachers specifically hunt these primates for their skin, hides, bones, skull, etc. (Mazumder 2014). Hunting is ongoing in remote areas of Assam (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
 +
|Ongoing (2023)
 +
|-
 
|
 
|
 +
|5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants
 +
|Present, but threat severity unknown
 
|
 
|
 +
|Exploitation of non-timber forest products such as cane bamboo and ferns (Chetry et al. 2021).
 +
|Ongoing (2021)
 +
|-
 
|
 
|
 +
|5.3 Logging & wood harvesting
 +
|High
 
|
 
|
 +
|Illegal logging of certain species, including ''Uriam Bischoffia javanica'', ''Simalu Bombax ceiba'', ''Halakh Termina lia myriocarpa'', and ''Titasopa Michelia champaca'' is causing canopy loss and creating fragments within the existing habitats. Exploitation for firewood has also been documented (Chertry et al. 2021). Illegal logging is ongoing (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
 +
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6. Human intrusions & disturbance
+
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
−
|
 
 
|
 
|
 +
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 142: Line 159:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|7. Natural system modifications
 
|7. Natural system modifications
 +
|7.2 Dams & water management/use
 +
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Hydroelectric projects are planned in the area (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
 
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 157: Line 174:
 
|9. Pollution
 
|9. Pollution
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
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|10. Geological Events
 
|10. Geological Events
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Absent
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|11. Climate change & severe weather
+
| 11. Climate change & severe weather
−
|
 
 
|
 
|
 +
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 178: Line 195:
 
|12. Other options
 
|12. Other options
 
|
 
|
−
|
+
|Absent
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 186: Line 203:
 
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/threat-classification-scheme IUCN Threats list]
 
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/threat-classification-scheme IUCN Threats list]
  
 +
= Conservation activities =      <!-- A summary of the conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->
  
−
 
+
'''Table 4. Conservation activities in Assam'''
−
= Conservation activities =      <!-- a text overview of conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
This sections describes conservation interventions implemented at the site, including information on which organizations are implementing them and thereby provides context for the conservation activities listed in the table below.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Table 4: Conservation activities in XXXX'''
 
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="conservation-actions-table"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="conservation-actions-table"
−
!align="left"|Category <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
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!align="left"|Category <!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE CATEGORIES -->
−
!Specific activity   <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
+
!Specific activity <!-- For specific threats, please use list from the list linked below, OR enter “Not reported” -->
−
!Description         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Description <!-- Add descriptive information -->
−
!Year of activity         <!-- if ongoing or unknown add year of reference in brackets -->
+
!Year of activity <!-- Add descriptive information -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|1. Residential & commercial development
 
|1. Residential & commercial development
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
 
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|3. Energy production & mining
 
|3. Energy production & mining
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|4. Transportation & service corridors
 
|4. Transportation & service corridors
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|5. Biological resource use
 
|5. Biological resource use
−
|
+
|5.6. Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols
−
|
+
|Forest department conducts patrols in protected areas in the state of Assam (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6. Human intrusions & disturbance
+
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|7. Natural system modifications
 
|7. Natural system modifications
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
 
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|9. Pollution
 
|9. Pollution
 +
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|10. Education & Awareness  
 
|10. Education & Awareness  
−
|
+
|10.1. Educate local communities about primates and sustainable use
−
|
+
|NGO Aaranyak organizes talks in schools and universities and promotes visits to sanctuaries to see gibbons (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
 +
|-
 +
|10. Education & Awareness
 +
|Other
 +
|Aaranyak organizes nature guide training for people in fringe areas, living near forest habitats, as well as capacity building for forest staff (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
 +
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|11. Habitat Protection
 
|11. Habitat Protection
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|12. Species Management
 
|12. Species Management
−
|
+
|Other
−
|
+
|Translocation of gibbons from small forest fragments to larger areas by [https://www.wti.org.in/news/endangered-gibbons-translocated-to-safety-in-india/ Wild Trust of India] and the  Forest Department of Arunachal Pradesh (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives  
 
|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives  
−
|
+
|13.2. Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g. better education, infrastructure development)
−
|
+
|Aaranyak supports alternative income generation through the distribution of handlooms, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation training, as well as poultry and ducks (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2023)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
[[Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)]]
 
[[Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)]]
  
 +
= Challenges = <!-- Overview of challenges in ape conservation -->
  
 +
Lack of long-term funding for continuity of conservation activities and lack of a national gibbon action plan, which exists for other endangered species in the country, but not for gibbons (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).
  
−
= Impediments = <!-- Overview of impediments to ape conservation -->
+
'''Table 5. Challenges reported for Assam'''
−
 
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="challenges-table"
−
 
+
!align="left"|Challenge <!-- Do not change categories -->
−
Description of impediments that may hamper conservation activities.
+
!Source <!-- Source for challenge mentioned -->
−
 
+
|-
−
 
+
|Lack of long-term funding
−
'''Table 5: Impediments reported for XXXX'''
+
|Chetry pers. comm. 2023
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="impediments-table"
 
−
!align="left"|Impediment  <!-- Do not change categories -->
 
−
!Source   <!-- source for impediment mentioned -->
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|
+
|Lack of national action plan
−
|
+
|Chetry pers. comm. 2023
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
 
  
 
= Research activities = <!-- Overview of research activities -->
 
= Research activities = <!-- Overview of research activities -->
  
−
 
+
Multiple studies have been conducted in Assam to investigate the status of gibbons and other primates present in the area (Chetry et al. 2021, Kakati et al. 2009, Choudhury 2009, Sarma et al. 2021).
−
Short description of past and ongoing research activities at the site.
 
−
 
 
  
 
===Documented behaviours===  <!-- List of any behaviours observed at the site, including citations -->
 
===Documented behaviours===  <!-- List of any behaviours observed at the site, including citations -->
  
−
'''Table 6: Ape behaviors reported for XXXX'''
+
'''Table 6. Ape behaviors reported for Assam'''
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="behaviors-table"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="behaviors-table"
−
!align="left"|Behavior <!-- Do not change categories -->
+
!align="left"|Behavior
−
!Source   <!-- source for behavior -->
+
!Source
 
|-
 
|-
−
|
+
|Not reported
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
 
+
=External links=
−
===Relevant datasets===
+
[https://aaranyak.org/default.asp Aaranyak]
−
[http://apesportal.eva.mpg.de/database/archiveMap A.P.E.S Portal]
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
  
 
= References =
 
= References =
−
 
+
Chetry, D., Phukan, M., Chetry, S., Baruah, B., Deka, J. R., Das, A. K., ... & Bhattacharjee, P. C. (2021). The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys Population in Assam, India, is on the Verge of Extinction. Primate Conservation, (35).https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26187.52005 <br>
 +
Choudhury, A. (2009). The distribution, status and conservation of hoolock gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, Northeast India. Primate Conservation, 24(1), 117-126.<br>
 +
Kakati, K., Raghavan, R., Chellam, R., Qureshi, Q., & Chivers, D. J. (2009). Status of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) populations in fragmented forests of eastern Assam. Primate Conservation, 24(1), 127-137.<br>
 +
Mazumder, M. K. (2014). Diversity, habitat preferences, and conservation of the primates of southern Assam, India: The story of a primate paradise. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 7(4), 347-354.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2014.10.001<br>
 +
Sarma, K., Saikia, M. K., Sarania, B., Basumatary, H., Baruah, S. S., Saikia, B. P., ... & Saikia, P. K. (2021). Habitat monitoring and conservation prioritization of Western Hoolock Gibbon in upper Brahmaputra Valley, Assam, India. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94844-8 <br>
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
'''Page completed by:'''XXXX '''   Date:''' DD/MM/YY  <br>
+
'''Page completed by: '''Dilip Chetry & A.P.E.S. Wiki team''' Date:''' 04/10/2023 <!-- If you don't want to add your name, you can add "A.P.E.S. Wiki team" -->
−
 
 
−
<i>Please consider whether any information you would like to add is sensitive and could be misused to harm apes. Please do not add such information. If unsure, you can contact the Wiki manager (contact details on start page) for clarification.</i>
 
−
<br><br>
 

Latest revision as of 12:54, 8 October 2023

Asia > India > Assam

Summary[edit]

Loading map...
  • Western hoolock gibbons (Hoolock hoolock) are present in Assam.
  • The population size is unknown.
  • The gibbon population trend is decreasing.
  • The site has a total size of 78,438 km².
  • Key threats to gibbons are habitat encroachment and illegal logging.
  • Conservation activities include education and awareness raising, and supporting communities near forests with alternative income sources such as beekeeping and mushroom cultivation.

Site characteristics[edit]

The state of Assam is located in northeast India and comprises two global biodiversity hotspots: the Indo-Burma and the Himalayan hotspots (Mazumder 2014). The region is a stronghold for 12 primate species: Bengal slow loris Nycticebus bengalensis, Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta, Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis, pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina, stump-tailed macaque Macaca arctoides, Tibetan macaque Macaca thibetana, white-cheeked macaque Macaca luecogenys, capped langur Trachypithecus pileatus, golden langur Trachypithecus geei, Phayre’s langur Trachypithecus phayrei, western hoolock gibbon Hoolock hoolock, and eastern hoolock gibbon Hoolock leuconedys (Chetry et al. 2021).

Table 1. Basic site information for Assam

Area 78,438 km²
Coordinates 25.521581, 93.051847
Designation Unclassified
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest

IUCN habitat categories Site designations

Ape status[edit]

In 2009, Chetry et al. (2012) recorded 33 gibbons in 10 groups based on direct sightings in the reserve forests of Hal logaon, Kukurmara, and Kundil Kalia (Chetry et al. 2021). In 2019, 17 individuals in seven groups in these three reserve forests were recorded, indicating a 48.5% population decline. The number of groups was also reduced from 26 (direct observations and call-count) in 2009 to 11 in 2019 (Chetry et al. 2021). In this time frame there was also a 18.75% increase in the proportion of adults to immatures, indicating reduced recruitment and population decline (Chetry et al. 2021).

Table 2. Ape population estimates in Assam

Species Year Total number indiv. (95% CI) Total number groups (95% CI) Density ​​[groups/km²​] (95% CI) Area Method Source Comments A.P.E.S. database ID
Hoolock hoolock 2019 17 7 Sadiya subdivision, 789.95 km² Line transects (Distance) Chetry et al. 2019 Survey effort 98 km. Average group size was 2.42
Hoolock hoolock 2017-2018 Upper Brahmaputra Valley, 9851 km² Unknown Sarma et al. 2021

Threats[edit]

Habitat encroachment and selective illegal logging represent the most severe threats to gibbons and other wildlife in Assam (Chetry et al. 2021).

Table 3. Threats to apes in Assam

Category Specific threats Threat level Quantified severity Description Year of threat
1. Residential & commercial development 1.1 Housing & urban areas High Habitat encroachment due to development activities and expansion of human settlements (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
2. Agriculture & aquaculture 2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops High Encroachment due to expansion of land for agriculture, including ginger and orange cultivation (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Jhum cultivation (a slash-and-burn type of shifting cultivation) has devastated large forest covers through the creation of canopy gaps and depletion of food (Mazumder 2014). Ongoing (2023)
2.3 Livestock farming & ranching Present, but threat severity unknown Livestock grazing (Chetry et al. 2021, Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
3. Energy production & mining 3.2 Mining & quarrying Present, but threat severity unknown Coal mining (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
4. Transportation & service corridors 4.1 Roads & railroads High Expansion of roads and railroads cause habitat fragmentation and further encroachment (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
5. Biological resource use 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals Present, but threat severity unknown In certain places in southern Assam poachers specifically hunt these primates for their skin, hides, bones, skull, etc. (Mazumder 2014). Hunting is ongoing in remote areas of Assam (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants Present, but threat severity unknown Exploitation of non-timber forest products such as cane bamboo and ferns (Chetry et al. 2021). Ongoing (2021)
5.3 Logging & wood harvesting High Illegal logging of certain species, including Uriam Bischoffia javanica, Simalu Bombax ceiba, Halakh Termina lia myriocarpa, and Titasopa Michelia champaca is causing canopy loss and creating fragments within the existing habitats. Exploitation for firewood has also been documented (Chertry et al. 2021). Illegal logging is ongoing (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
6. Human intrusion & disturbance Unknown
7. Natural system modifications 7.2 Dams & water management/use Unknown Hydroelectric projects are planned in the area (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases Unknown
9. Pollution Unknown
10. Geological Events Absent
11. Climate change & severe weather Unknown
12. Other options Absent

IUCN Threats list

Conservation activities[edit]

Table 4. Conservation activities in Assam

Category Specific activity Description Year of activity
1. Residential & commercial development Not reported
2. Agriculture & aquaculture Not reported
3. Energy production & mining Not reported
4. Transportation & service corridors Not reported
5. Biological resource use 5.6. Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols Forest department conducts patrols in protected areas in the state of Assam (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
6. Human intrusion & disturbance Not reported
7. Natural system modifications Not reported
8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases Not reported
9. Pollution Not reported
10. Education & Awareness 10.1. Educate local communities about primates and sustainable use NGO Aaranyak organizes talks in schools and universities and promotes visits to sanctuaries to see gibbons (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
10. Education & Awareness Other Aaranyak organizes nature guide training for people in fringe areas, living near forest habitats, as well as capacity building for forest staff (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
11. Habitat Protection Not reported
12. Species Management Other Translocation of gibbons from small forest fragments to larger areas by Wild Trust of India and the Forest Department of Arunachal Pradesh (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)
13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives 13.2. Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g. better education, infrastructure development) Aaranyak supports alternative income generation through the distribution of handlooms, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation training, as well as poultry and ducks (Chetry pers. comm. 2023). Ongoing (2023)

Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)

Challenges[edit]

Lack of long-term funding for continuity of conservation activities and lack of a national gibbon action plan, which exists for other endangered species in the country, but not for gibbons (Chetry pers. comm. 2023).

Table 5. Challenges reported for Assam

Challenge Source
Lack of long-term funding Chetry pers. comm. 2023
Lack of national action plan Chetry pers. comm. 2023

Research activities[edit]

Multiple studies have been conducted in Assam to investigate the status of gibbons and other primates present in the area (Chetry et al. 2021, Kakati et al. 2009, Choudhury 2009, Sarma et al. 2021).

Documented behaviours[edit]

Table 6. Ape behaviors reported for Assam

Behavior Source
Not reported

External links[edit]

Aaranyak

References[edit]

Chetry, D., Phukan, M., Chetry, S., Baruah, B., Deka, J. R., Das, A. K., ... & Bhattacharjee, P. C. (2021). The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys Population in Assam, India, is on the Verge of Extinction. Primate Conservation, (35).https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26187.52005
Choudhury, A. (2009). The distribution, status and conservation of hoolock gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, Northeast India. Primate Conservation, 24(1), 117-126.
Kakati, K., Raghavan, R., Chellam, R., Qureshi, Q., & Chivers, D. J. (2009). Status of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) populations in fragmented forests of eastern Assam. Primate Conservation, 24(1), 127-137.
Mazumder, M. K. (2014). Diversity, habitat preferences, and conservation of the primates of southern Assam, India: The story of a primate paradise. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 7(4), 347-354.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2014.10.001
Sarma, K., Saikia, M. K., Sarania, B., Basumatary, H., Baruah, S. S., Saikia, B. P., ... & Saikia, P. K. (2021). Habitat monitoring and conservation prioritization of Western Hoolock Gibbon in upper Brahmaputra Valley, Assam, India. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94844-8


Page completed by: Dilip Chetry & A.P.E.S. Wiki team Date: 04/10/2023

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